The knives are out

The election isn't over yet but the Liberals are already infighting. I expect it to get pretty bloody in a couple of weeks.

Earlier today Treasurer Peter Costello refused to be drawn on his plans to make a bid for the Liberal Party leadership - win or lose this election - several ministers criticised "silly mistakes" made by senior figures, including Health Minister Tony Abbott.

High-profile Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull has also been singled out, amid concerns he privately has written off the Government's prospects.

Nationals maverick Barnaby Joyce has slammed the Government's campaign as dull, labelling it "dry and complicated", a description backed by some of his colleagues yesterday.

The sniping comes as Prime Minister John Howard enters the final days of the campaign, battling to hold back a tide of public support for Kevin Rudd.

Costello today wouldn't say if he would seek to become opposition leader should the coalition lose the federal election on Saturday.