Tony Abbott drops parental leave plan

Sydney

AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Monday dropped a signature plan for paid parental leave and promised a more consultative approach on economic and security problems, seeking to stave off mounting criticism of his leadership.

Mr Abbott, 16 months in the top job, has faced a series of challenges including an economy battered by a plunge in commodity prices as well as broken election promises, policy back flips and perceived gaffes.

Pressure on him soared after last week's decision to award a top honour …