Qld: New party the only way to beat Labor, says Somlyay

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2004
Qld: New party the only way to beat Labor, says Somlyay

By Rosemary Desmond

BRISBANE, Feb 12 AAP - A federal Liberal MP believes those on the conservative side
of politics in Queensland should think about setting up a new party to challenge Labor's
stranglehold on government.

Sunshine Coast-based Alex Somlyay said another convincing win to Labor in the February
7 state election was further evidence a new and united conservative party was needed.

Mr Somlyay said it could be modelled along the lines of the Country Liberal Party in
the Northern Territory.

"My view is what it has to be is a brand new party of the kind that works in the Northern
Territory," the Member for Fairfax said today.

Amalgamation of the existing parties would not be a viable option, he said.

"A proliferation of conservative parties does not work in Queensland because it virtually
has a first past the post voting system."

Mr Somlyay said he had spoken today to Liberal state President Michael Caltabiano about
the possibility of setting up a new conservative party in Queensland.

"He didn't seem very pleased," Mr Somlyay said.

Senior members of the Liberal Party have accused Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg
of hijacking the Queensland election campaign in a presidential style campaign.

A spokesman for Mr Springborg said the idea of one Queensland conservative party was
not a new one.

"Lawrence has always pushed this for four or five years but it hasn't had the best
reception from both parties," the spokesman said.

AAP rad/sc/cjh/jlw

KEYWORD: LIBS QLD

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.