In politics, you're supposed to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. But Christopher Pyne has no illusions about being friends with his enemies.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Speaking on the new ABC program Kitchen Cabinet, the Manager of Opposition Business said that he had no friends on the "other side of politics".
Mr Pyne, who is renowned for his tenacious style in parliament, said he "liked" some people, but that that was different from friendship.
"It's very hard to be friends with people who want to have the same thing that you want," he said.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her supposed challenger, Kevin Rudd, would surely agree with Mr Pyne's added comments that politics was too tough a game for mateyness.
"It's a zero-sum game politics, there's no second prize," he said.
"It's hard to be friends with people who want to make sure you lose your seat."
The first episode of Kitchen Cabinet, which sees journalist Annabel Crabb talk to politicians about politics and food, airs later this month.
A preview of the episode shows Mr Pyne whipping up a barbecue steak with the help of former Howard minister, Amanda Vanstone.
