Blind Loyalty Makes Aussie MP A Global Web Hit

An Australian politician's surreal pledge of blind loyalty to his prime minister on TV has become a global hit on the web.

Mr Shorten was being quizzed on Sky News Australia about a statement made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

In an exchange that could have come straight from a comedy sketch, he admitted he had not heard what his prime minister had said, but that he wholeheartedly agreed with her anyway.

Sky Australia's political editor David Speers asked him for his own view about whether the Australian Speaker should return to his role while allegations of sexual harassment and misuse of funds were investigated.

"I haven't seen what she's said, but let me say I support what it is that she said," Mr Shorten said.

Speers replied: "Hang on, you haven't seen what she said?"

The politician nodded and replied "But I support what my prime minister said".

A bemused Speers then asked "Well, what's your view?"

"My view is what the prime minister's view is," Mr Shorten replied.

The clip spread quickly through Facebook and Twitter and is making headlines around the world.

It ends with Mr Shorten saying to Speers: "I support what our prime minister has said."

"But you don't know what that is?" replies the political editor.

Mr Shorten said: "Well I'm sure she's right."