Features
Rudd could headline ute muster
3rd July 2009
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd is considering taking his famous ute along to the popular Deniliquin Ute Muster.
Mr Rudd became the best known ute-driver in the country after he was accused of doing a favour for the man who lent it to him.
The claim was debunked because it was based on a fake email.
The organisers of the Deni ute muster, which draws 20,000 ute aficionados from around the country to the town in southern NSW, are concerned the iconic ute is getting a bad rap.
They have formally invited Mr Rudd to drive his ute to the muster on October 2.
"I've received an invitation to attend the Deniliquin Ute Muster, and so anyone who'd like to come along, Swanny and I are thinking of taking the drive down to Deni for the Ute Muster," Mr Rudd told reporters in Darwin on Thursday.
"Come and join us."
He was referring to Treasurer Wayne Swan, who was also accused of helping out the man who lent the ute to Mr Rudd.
Festival director John Harvie said he was worried Mr Rudd would "lose the love of the ute due to the ute-gate scandal".
Let's get that ute passion back in to Mr Rudd's veins," he said.
"Due to the 'ute-gate' scandal Deni Ute Muster organisers are extremely concerned that the great Aussie ute will get all the blame."
Organisers are running a poll on their website which found 59 per cent of people thought Mr Rudd should attend the event in his ute.

















