THE Nationals have commenced their preselection process for the Federal Division of Lyne, currently held by independent MP Rob Oakeshott.
NSW Nationals’ chairman Christine Ferguson said that the party was keen to select a strong local candidate to represent Lyne in a coalition government.
“The so-called “new paradigm” has failed, and voters across Australia are eager to put an end to this pathetic government,” Mrs Ferguson said.
“The people of Lyne know that their local MP has been one of the staunchest defenders of the Gillard government, and a great number of them are looking to The Nationals to defeat Rob Oakeshott and give Lyne a voice in a stable and responsible coalition government”.
At the preselection all members of the party of six months standing are eligible to vote for a candidate of their choice.
Lyne nominations open Wednesday 6 June 2012 and close Friday 15 June 2012
Preselection to be determined Saturday July 7.
So far, a Doctor and an army officer are two of the contenders in the pre-selection process.
Dr David Gillespie wants another chance to topple Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott but he must have success in the July 1 vote by rank and file party member’s first.
Army officer Brett Sprague is another candidate. He believes his army experience has equipped him well for a bid at political life.
Mr Sprague has family in Port Macquarie, owns a house here and plans to settle here once he leaves the Army.
Mr Gillespie is focussed on the pre-selection process.
“The party represents the best of Australian values and I want the members to know, in voting for me, I’m the best person to represent their values, their ethics and political beliefs.