Abbott meets Obama and spy chief in US
TONY Abbott privately met Barack Obama at an exclusive banquet in Washington on a US trip already mired in controversy.
The former prime minister also held secret talks with the president’s spy chief, TheDaily Telegraph reported, and was urged to maintain a global voice on critical issues such as terrorism.
Mr Abbott and Mr Obama had a warm, intimate chat on Saturday night, sources said, showing the ex-PM is by no means ready to let go of his powerful connections.
He also met with Senator John McCain, who described him on Twitter as a “great leader & strong supporter of the US-Australia alliance”.
The day before, Mr Abbott reportedly held secret talks with the US director of National Intelligence James Clapper, where it’s believed they discussed the fight against Islamic State as well as other global threats.
Mr Abbott met a series of political heavyweights during his trip to the US, telling theDaily Telegraph Australia’s contribution to world affairs, especially in the Middle East, was highly valued by the nation.
The meeting may rile Australia’s current leader, coming just weeks after Malcolm Turnbull’s visit to Washington, where he also met Mr Obama and Mr Clapper.
Mr Abbott has already caused controversy with this trip with his plans to address an anti-gay group in the US.
The former Liberal leader revealed he intended to speak at a function in New York run by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian lobby group that opposes homosexuality and abortion.
Not letting any grass grow under his feet is he? 
