The blow-up occurred two weeks ago and left hardened ALP power brokers shocked.

The factional leaders had met with the Prime Minister in his Parliament House office to argue government plans to cut MPs’ printing allowances from $100,000 to $75,000 per year, in response to a report into parliamentary perks by the Auditor-General.

Sources present at the the meeting said that Mr Rudd exclaimed: “I don’t care what you f—ers think!”

He then proceeded to single out Senator David Feeney, saying: “You can get f—ed”, prior to asking, “Don’t you f—ing understand?”

Rudd had been given a prior copy of the report into printing expenses and had already decided on the cut, but the ALP caucus had no say in the decision.

MPs Sharryn Jackson and Maria Vamvaknou and Senators Carol Brown, Michael Forshaw, Don Farrell and David Feeney were present at the meeting.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister has responded to the claims of the heated exchange saying that the Prime Minister stood by his decision to significantly reduce the printing entitlements of all senators and members.

Sources close to Senator Feeney argue that his case was reasonable, and that the problem with David was that he was the third or fourth person to ask a question.  It seemed as if Rudd was fed up and Feeney copped it with both barrels.

David Feeney said that he will not comment on private meetings.

The incident is the second time in which the PM has allegedly lost his temper, including the verbal assault on an RAAF VIP air hostess over the standard of service.

Mr Hawke claims that Mr Turnbull approached him to his and Mr Beazley’s endorsement during the failed republic referendum, with Turnbull saying “Bob, the only thing I can do now is join the Labor Party.”

Former ALP staffer David Britton claims that Mr Turnbull told him that he was “deeply p—ed off with Howard” at the time of the republic referendum.

Mr Turnbull refutes the claims, saying that it was he who was approached by the ALP.

He said: “Over the years a number of people inside the Labor Party have sought to recruit me.

“I’ve always treated these invitations politely. But actions speak louder than words and I have never joined the Labor Party.”

The claims come at a troubling time for Mr Turnbull, whose leadership has been damaged as Liberal party members have questioned his judgement over the Utegate scandal.

Thanks to the Sunday Telegraph for the above quotes.  For more information visit their website.