Beazley apologises for Rove mistake but says he is the man to lead Labor

Karl Rove gaffe raises more Beazley questionsMr Beazley has dismissed reports about discontent with his leadership as speculation and says he is sorry for his Rove mistake.

Mr Beazley referred to US presidential adviser, Karl Rove, instead of local TV personality Rove McManus. Mr McManus celebrity wife, Belinda Emmett, passed away at age 32 last week, after suffering from breast cancer.

"I made a slip-up on Friday as you're all very well aware," he said.

"I'm very sorry for that, and I'll be writing to Rove to indicate the fact that I am very sorry about it."

Mr Beazley says he has the experience the Australian public want in a leader and he will take his party to the next federal election.

"It's all just speculation," he said.

"What I'm doing is getting on with the argument with John Howard on these critical issues and I think we are making headway.