We can restore political fortunes: Robb

Cabinet minister Andrew Robb believes the government can restore its political fortunes and keep Tony Abbott as prime minister despite acknowledging poor polling results.

Mr Robb says public confidence was high in the coalition after the budget but the entitlements controversy and other issues erased that advantage.

"If we can put those behind us ... I believe, and I think my colleagues believe, we can restore our political fortunes and be in a competitive position at the next election with Tony Abbott as prime minister," he told ABC TV on Thursday.