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 Gilmore's invisible candidate 

Gilmore's invisible candidate

03 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM
She's the Family First candidate for Gilmore, but like a cliched toothbrush advertisement, we can't show you her face.

Despite throwing her hat into the ring, Elizabeth Cunningham has refused to speak publicly and has not yet stepped out onto the campaign trail to meet her constituents.

The Family First candidate didn't attend the announcement of official candidate nominations and drawing of ballot positions for Gilmore in Nowra on Friday - her name will appear third on the ballot paper however.

  • EDITORIAL: Party offers up faceless candidate

  • VOTE: Should Family First candidate Elizabeth Cunningham directly address Gilmore constituents?

    Family First state director Phil Lamb said Ms Cunningham, a factory worker, was "not willing to speak publicly," and she had asked that her contact details not be released.

    But he said she represented the party's family-oriented values and described her as a "common sense conservative".

    "Elizabeth is passionate to see families represented and stand for ordinary Australians in the House of Representatives," he said.

    Established in 2002, Family First gained early success with Senator Steve Fielding elected to Federal Parliament two years later. The party has put forward candidates to contest 16 marginal seats.

    Gilmore Labor candidate Neil Reilly said he did not see the point in being a candidate without being prepared to meet voters.

    "I find it bizarre that a candidate would have their name on a public ballot paper but refuse contact with the community they seek to represent, it says we don't value you," Mr Reilly said.

    "While I have passionate discussions with others on the ballot, at least they are prepared to put their ideas and policies forward."

    Liberal incumbent Joanna Gash has given the mysterious Family First candidate her second preference based purely on the conservative party's values, but is yet to meet her.

    "Family First is more in keeping with what I'm doing, that's the arrangements we've made," she said. "Even though we have a how to vote card we would encourage people to vote how they see fit."

    When attempting to contact Family First leader Steven Fielding yesterday, the Mercury was directed back to the state office for comment.

    The Mercury understands Ms Cunningham does not reside in the Gilmore electorate.

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    comments


    Date: Newest first | Oldest first
    This 'invisible candidate' illustrates how important votes are even when given to a minor party. The seat of Gilmore will go to either Liberal or Labor, however, don't let that discourage you from voting for a minor party. Your vote for a minor party in this seat helps that party secure a senate seat. If you feel strongly about an issue, vote for the party that best represents your point of view. Don Keys, Liberal Democratic Party candidate for Gimore.
    Posted by Don Keys, 3/08/2010 8:24:03 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    Where do the preferences go?
    Posted by Paul, 3/08/2010 8:55:46 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    Perhaps her family comes first and she hasn't got time to talk to anyone.
    Posted by Paddy, 3/08/2010 9:48:22 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    It never ceases to amaze me when people talk about "allotting preferences". A voter is supposedly a sentient being but it seems many have to be told what to do on polling day. Irrespective of what is written on a political party's How To Vote Card, you, the individual, can vote for whoever yo like & in whichever order you like. So in answer to "Paul"; wherever you want them to go!
    Posted by Albervin, 3/08/2010 10:04:35 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    Your preferences go where YOU direct them. Always number boxes 1,2,3, etc. Otherwise your preference will be automatic depending on that PARTY. Don, HOW can voting for a MP in the Reps influence the Senate? It CAN'T.
    Posted by John, 3/08/2010 10:04:44 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    @John The senate is proportional representation, so a minor party candidate is helped in the Senate by their House of Rep counterparts in their capacity to elevate the overall level of voter support and access to electoral funding. Remember, every vote for a minor party denies a major party of $2.31. So the help comes from preference deals (for example; Steve Fielding) and the funding. You are right that there is no direct influence... but it "helps" none the less. Don Keys, Liberal Democratic Party candidate for Gilmore.
    Posted by Don Keys, 3/08/2010 12:05:34 PM, on Illawarra Mercury
    Steve Fielding, Family First Senator got in on Labor preferences and then they had to live with his stupidity.
    Posted by resident, 3/08/2010 7:32:39 PM, on Illawarra Mercury
    Posted by Don Keys, 3/08/2010 8:24:03 AM I agree about the minor parties but I saw family first interview on channel 7 and they scare me alot. No internet filter because it doesnt do anything they say will and I am happy to explain to my child anything she sees on an advisement. Why do they think they should get my vote you cant talk to children about a simple billboard?
    Posted by Mike, 4/08/2010 12:09:36 AM, on Illawarra Mercury

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    POLL
    Q: Should Family First candidate Elizabeth Cunningham directly address Gilmore constituents?

    Yes
    (75.1%)

    No
    (24.9%)

    Total Votes: 177
    Poll Date: 03 August, 2010

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