Embattled Australian PM dismisses speculation over leadership, election

By Matt Siegel SYDNEY (Reuters) - Conservative Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott dismissed mounting speculation on Monday that his position is in danger, playing down talk that he may call a snap election to stem off a leadership coup from within his own party. Abbott emerged badly weakened from a leadership challenge by lawmakers in his own Liberal Party in February, which came about after weeks of infighting and dismal poll numbers, and pledged a new spirit of conciliation. A by-election i