John Howard turns 80 – and says he ‘happy to be alive in Australia 

‘Greatest ever’ PM John Howard turns 80 – and says he ‘happy to be alive and have had the privilege of being born in Australia

• ‘I feel the same as I did yesterday,’ Mr Howard said on his morning Sydney walk 
• PM Scott Morrison praised Mr Howard, who governed from 1996 to 2007 
• A birthday bash is planned for Friday night in Sydney for the former PM   

By Australian Associated Press

Published: 01:58 BST, 26 July 2019 | Updated: 02:04 BST, 26 July 2019

Former prime minister John Howard says he’s ‘happy to be alive’ as he prepares to celebrate his 80th birthday with family, friends and Liberal luminaries

Former prime minister John Howard says he’s ‘happy to be alive’ as he prepares to celebrate his 80th birthday with family, friends and Liberal luminaries.

‘I feel the same as I did yesterday,’ Mr Howard told Nine on his morning walk in Sydney on Friday.

‘I’m very happy to be alive and to have had the privilege of being born in Australia.’

Scott Morrison was full of praise for Mr Howard, who governed from 1996 to 2007.

‘Happy 80th birthday JWH,’ the prime minister tweeted early on Friday morning, alongside a photo of the pair.

‘Thanks for setting the standard for all Liberals to follow.’

Newly-elected NSW Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes also toasted the birthday boy.

‘One of our nation’s greatest-ever prime ministers who continues to show grace and humility. 80 years is a milestone to be celebrated,’ she said.

The Liberal Party organisation tweeted: ‘Happy 80th Birthday to John Howard! Thank you for your extraordinary contribution and dedication to the Liberal Party and Australia.’

A birthday bash is planned for Friday night in Sydney.

Scott Morrison (centre) was full of praise for Mr Howard (right), who governed from 1996 to 2007.

 

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