Mp's Resignation Puts Pressure On Others

Sydney Morning Herald

Wednesday March 12, 2008

Phillip Coorey Chief Political Correspondent

THE former agriculture minister Peter McGauran plans to leave Parliament next month, increasing the pressure on the former ministers Alexander Downer, Peter Costello and Mark Vaile to state their intentions.

The Coalition hierarchy wants all former ministers intending to retire to wait until after the budget on May 13 before leaving.

This would ensure all the by-elections were held on the same Saturday in July.

But this strategy of a co-ordinated exit is beginning to fray because Mr McGauran, who has business interests he wishes to pursue, has grown tired of waiting for others to make up their minds.

Mr McGauran, who wanted to retire at Christmas but agreed to stay around, has told colleagues he will leave Parliament next month, meaning the by-election for his Victorian seat of Gippsland could be held in June, before Parliament rises for the winter break.

The Coalition wanted all the by-elections delayed until July because of fears it would lose the seats, given the polls still heavily favour Labor. It was figured Labor's harsh budget would have diminished its popularity by July and the Coalition would have campaign funds again.

Party strategists believe that Labor would win Gippsland, Mr Costello's seat of Higgins, and Mr Downer's seat of Mayo if by-elections were held soon.

Mr Costello has shed no light on his plans, and some people close to him say he is now talking of staying until September or even early next year. Mr Downer is also refusing to be rushed. He does not take lightly the prospect of giving up his seat and still intends to wait until the middle of the year before making a decision.

Senior Liberals, including Nick Minchin and Andrew Robb, have called for the men to make their intentions public.

The uncertainty is of no help to the Opposition Leader, Brendan Nelson, who yesterday backed further away from his support for a merger between the Liberal and National Parties. He is now closer to the option of the Nationals abandoning their party and becoming Liberals.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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