CANBERRA: Prime Minister John Howard has reacted angrily to the release of a transcript of his emotion-charged address to the recent memorial service for Sir Donald Bradman in Adelaide. "Sir Donald's comments that he hoped the Liberal Party would hold the seat of Ryan and then go on to retain power at the federal election for the good of the nation and its economic well-being because it was important for the country to be led by someone with ticker were private comments Sir Donald made to Jeanette and I during one of our visits to Sir Donald in the weeks before his passing," Mr Howard said. "I repeated them at the memorial service only because I knew Sir Donald would not have minded my doing so. I am appalled that those private comments have now been given a much wider airing through the national media and I apologise unreservedly to Sir Donald's family."

MELBOURNE: One of the state's longest serving police officers faces dismissal from the force after a disciplinary hearing yesterday was told he has not shot anyone in the past 12 months.

SYDNEY: Global food manufacturer Kraft Industries is to ignore widespread community criticism and proceed with the marketing release of its newest cheese line, Darkie.

BRISBANE: Former Queensland Labor and independent Senator Mal Colston was alive unexpectedly in Brisbane last night after a long bout with cancer. He is 62.