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Abbott 'Probably Doesn't Even Know I Exist': James Mathison

The TV presenter admits it'll be tough to unseat Tony Abbott in Warringah.
James Mathison wants to roll Tony Abbott as MP for Warringah.
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James Mathison wants to roll Tony Abbott as MP for Warringah.

A lack of honesty is often cited as a problem in modern politics. But it doesn't seem to be one for TV presenter and independent candidate for Warringah, James Mathison.

Mathison announced last week he was taking on former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in his blue ribbon Sydney seat -- despite not having any background in politics.

On Monday night, Mathison was candid about his chances against the Liberal veteran.

"He probably doesn't even know I exist at the moment," Mathison told Channel 10's The Project.

"It is such a safe seat he's probably thinking there is not a challenge on. But when I saw him launch his campaign at the surf club and talk about what he was going to do with the electorate ... I thought for 15 years he's been promising the same things."

The former Australian Idol host is making his election tilt in a seat that includes the monied suburbs of Manly, Mosman and Neutral Bay.

The father-of-two supports marriage equality, refugees and climate change and has previously said he will be focusing on the youth vote in the electorate.

He has also said he wants to run against Abbott in a bid "to hold him to account".

Mathison said on Monday night that despite Abbott's long term hold over the seat, the former PM was out of touch with community values.

"He is a good man. The trouble is a lot of his views don't reflect those of the electorate and the community," Mathison said.

"You talk to people around there, there is a sense that he has let them down. The things he's promised and he hasn't delivered."

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