Big Clive eyes Capricornia
MINING magnate Clive Palmer could stand against Kirsten Livermore for the Federal seat of Capricornia at the next election.
On Tuesday, Mr Palmer ruled out running against Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan, which he had hinted at months ago.
But Mr Palmer hinted he may run for Capricornia - the only Labor held regional seat outside south-east Queensland - or a Labor-held seat in south-east Queensland.
Mr Palmer said he had decided to stand in a seat where he could do the most good for the LNP and Australia.
"It will be an electorate where I am known and people know what I stand for and the things I hold dear to me - an electorate which will play its part in the defeat of Labor," he said.
"I have decided, therefore, not to nominate for the seat of Lilley at this time."
Capricornia MP Kirsten Livermore refused to comment when asked if she was confident she could beat Mr Palmer, given his high profile.
"It's hard to take Clive's latest headline grab seriously," she said.
"First off, he was going to nominate for Lilley but that's fallen through.
"Are we supposed to be grateful that he's picked Capricornia as a consolation prize?"
LNP Flynn MP Ken O'Dowd said Mr Palmer would be a good member no matter where he stood.
"I'd welcome him to put his name in the hat and see where he stands," he said.
Mr O'Dowd did question how Mr Palmer would manage a political career and his massive mining business.
"I find it quite interesting, but I don't know how fair dinkum he is," he said.
Michelle Landry, who stood for the LNP against Ms Livermore in 2010, echoed Mr O'Dowd's comments.
"It's a huge electorate so with his business interests I don't know if he'd have time to do it all," she said. "I suppose it comes down to the members."
Mr Palmer has decided to draw out his plans a bit further by promising to announce his chosen Queensland seat "in the next few days".
Capricornia
- LNP needs a 3.7% swing to unseat Labor
- Michelle Landry facing about 10 pre-selection candidates
- The seat covers an area about 91,049sq km
Tweet your thoughts #cliveforcapricornia.
