Park thanks punters with wave of support
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday March 30, 2011
KEIRA MP-elect Ryan Park wrapped up his election campaign yesterday the way it began - on the side of the Northern Distributor, waving to motorists.But this time, the 33-year-old wasn't begging for votes; he was thanking constituents for helping him into office.An exhausted Mr Park virtually collapsed over the line on Saturday night after running a fervent and impassioned campaign to maintain Labor's grip on the northern Illawarra seat.He had become a frequent fixture on the side of the road each morning from 6.30am, desperate to raise his profile above that of the Liberal candidate, former Steelers captain John Dorahy."A lot of people said they had never seen anyone get out there and be brave enough to put themselves on a corner and ask for support," Mr Park said."I wanted to get back out there today to thank people who supported me."Labor suffered a 17.5 per cent dent in its margin on Saturday, leaving Mr Park with a tenuous 4.5 per cent buffer.He welcomed the thumbs up and honks of support yesterday - rare shows of public support for his tattered party.After a short break in Huskisson with his wife and young son, Mr Park will go to Sydney tomorrow for his first caucus meeting, and the election of a new Labor leader.New Blacktown MP and former union heavyweight John Robertson is the front-runner to replace Kristina Keneally.Respected MPs Michael Daley, Carmel Tebbutt and Verity Firth had also been tipped as contenders.Mr Robertson's bid was criticised by former Labor leader Morris Iemma yesterday, who described him as one of the party's "chief wreckers".But Mr Park insisted Mr Robertson was the best man for the job despite criticism the appointment could further the perception of undue union influence over Labor."John Robertson has demonstrated he is not just a union official," Mr Park said."He is an electrician by trade and has held a number of portfolios. He's got the right mix."
© 2011 Illawarra Mercury
