CONSERVATIVE commentator Andrew Bolt considered stepping back from his multiple media commitments in the wake of being found guilty of racial vilification in the Federal Court, until Tony Abbott implored him not to.

In an interview with Good Weekend, published today, Bolt reveals that the court decision, and the gloating reaction from within some sections of the community, had shocked him deeply.

Tony Abbott told Bolt that the country needed him. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

He said he had been painted as a monster and his family had suffered.

However, an impromptu visit to his home by the Opposition Leader, who told Bolt that the country needed him, had restored his resolve.