FORMER Prime Minister Tony Abbott has defended his legacy, saying history will ultimately remember him well.

In an exclusive interview with the Manly Daily, Mr Abbott admitted there was “a bit of dirty water under the bridge” with Bronwyn Bishop — a long-time friend and electoral neighbour who is said to have voted for Malcolm Turnbull in the spill — but said “you shouldn’t let one difficult episode poison a friendship”.

Three weeks after his dramatic ousting as prime minister, Mr Abbott — whose title now is simply Member for Warringah — has begun a charm offensive on Sydney’s northern beaches.

He was glad to be back in his Forestville home, where he intends to stay for the time being but could do with some TLC and “a lick of paint”.

And he is looking forward “to being able to go up to the shops in a T-shirt and thongs again”.

Yesterday morning, he visited the children at Seaforth Primary School on their first day back after the devastating classroom fire last month.

He also accepted requests for selfies from admirers and chatted with local businessmen.

“The people have never been backward in coming forward and I don’t suddenly expect them to become all shy and retiring now,” he said.

“I know the polls weren’t especially encouraging, but I have never experienced anything other than warmth on the street.”

Mr Abbott said he enjoyed the freedom of the past three weeks to go cycling and surfing and would not make a ­decision on his career until at least after Christmas.

“It’s good for your mental equilibrium. When you’re out behind the breakers, it’s a good time to think, a good time to ponder the future,” he said.

“I’m too young to ret­ire. I still have a very strong interest in public life. And I don’t think it’s going to be my role to simply surf and cycle for the next 20 years.”

He cited two former prime ministers as role models: Bob Hawke for his involvement in the party and foreign trade, and John Howard for his speaking and writing engagements.

Mr Abbott said it was the responsibility of all local leaders to leave a legacy for their successes.

“You want your area to be in better shape at the end of your time than in the beginning.”

He said after 20 years of campaigning, there would be a Frenchs Forest hospital and he was confident there would be a road tunnel under Mosman within a decade.

“I’m pretty confident that the big issues have been ­addressed.,” he said.

He said he was disappointed the $10 million he promised to upgrade Brookvale Oval during the 2013 election campaign had yet to come to fruition.

Mr Abbott said the $10 million was “still on the table”, but the Commonwealth was waiting on the Sea Eagles, Warringah Council and the State Government,

He also thanked the electorate for their support.

“I hope they were proud that one of our own was prime minister of this country and I am confident that the record will be well ­appreciated as time goes by,” Mr Abbott said.