A poll revealed that Australian Prime Minister John Howard is facing a significant defeat in the upcoming election, with the possibility of losing his seat in Sydney. The poll showed that Howard was trailing behind former television presenter Maxine McKew by 46 percent to 53 percent when votes were split between the two major parties. McKew, who joined the Labor Party to challenge Howard, was also seen as equally capable of doing a good job for the seat of Bennelong, which has been held by Howard since 1974. The poll was conducted after Australia's central bank raised interest rates to a 10-year high in order to combat inflation caused by strong domestic demand, low unemployment, and rapid global growth. Howard, who won his fourth election in 2004 with the slogan "Keeping interest rates low," has been negatively impacted by the increase in interest rates. The central bank has raised rates five times, impacting Howard's coalition in key suburbs where residents are struggling with high mortgages and a credit binge fueled by low interest rates. Changes in demographics, including a growing Asian community in Howard's own seat, are also affecting his support. Howard's policies, such as requiring new immigrants to adopt Australian values and learn English, have alienated some immigrant families. Despite poll results, it may be difficult to remove Howard from office, according to Senior Labor lawmaker Bob McMullan. "We are approaching the end of the three-year term and there is a willingness for change among the people. However, I believe that their voting preferences are not fixed, but rather flexible," he stated in an interview with Australian television. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed confidence that Prime Minister Howard's experience would give him an advantage, while criticizing opposition leader Kevin Rudd for lacking a clear plan for Australia's future. Downer acknowledged that there is always debate about the incumbent's performance, but maintained a cautious attitude towards being overly optimistic." I am a person who is quite calm and laid-back when it comes to facing the challenges that are in store for me.