Australian PM Howard a political survivor

By James Grubel

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Conservative Prime Minister John Howard, one of Australia's great political survivors, faces the fight of his life both nationally and in his own seat as he tries to retain power one final time at elections on November 24.

After 11 years in office, opinion polls say the government is facing near-certain defeat and Howard may lose his own Sydney seat of Bennelong to a high profile television journalist.

But Howard's reputation as a stubborn and determined campaigner, and a master of political tactics, means few commentators are prepared to write off his chances of another victory in what will be his last election.

"Love me or loath me the Australian people know where I stand on all the major issues of importance to their future," a defiant Howard said on Sunday in announcing the election.

Howard, 68, has said this election will be his last. If he wins, he will hand power to his deputy, Treasurer Peter Costello, at some point during the next three year term.

Howard has defied his critics to win four consecutive elections, becoming Australia's second-longest serving prime minister along the way.

"We are going in as underdogs but there is no tougher political fighter than John Howard and that is what Australia needs," said Health Minister Tony Abbott.

Born in Sydney in 1939, John Winston Howard was the youngest of four brothers. His family owned a suburban petrol station and the young Howard was educated at nearby government schools.