Premier Kristina Keneally has resisted demands to call an early election after the
esignation of Member for Heathcote Paul McLeay.r
Revelations the disgraced MP visited porn and gambling sites on his work computer have prompted renewed calls for a fast-tracked poll to allow disenchanted voters to deliver an early verdict on the scandal-plagued Labor government.
But Ms Keneally dismissed the suggestion via a spokeswoman yesterday.
"The Premier has always said she welcomes public debate about fixed terms and recall elections - but will not be calling an early election," she told the Mercury, before stating the NSW Government had "delivered for the people of the Illawarra".
Three Illawarra MPs have resigned from the ministry under controversial circumstances during the current parliamentary term.
Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell, on track for a resounding victory at the polls next March, said the Government's ongoing scandal had destabilised the region's economy.
"The Illawarra Mercury is right when it said 'enough is enough'," Mr O'Farrell said referring to yesterday's front page headline.
"The Illawarra needs stability in order for the local economy to grow and prosper.
"With the constant changes there is little wonder the Illawarra has consistently missed out on its fair share of budget funding."
Opposition Illawarra spokesman Greg Pearce, Goulburn MP Pru Goward and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock are shaping up as likely candidates to take on the role of Minister for the Illawarra should the Coalition win power.
A Liberal Party spokeswoman yesterday confirmed it was finalising preselections in remaining Illawarra seats, but said a timetable to announce the candidates was unlikely before the federal election result was determined.
So far, business consultant Michelle Blicavs has been confirmed to take on Labor's Noreen Hay in Wollongong, while Shoalhaven Deputy Mayor Gareth Ward will challenge Matt Brown in Kiama.
Meantime, independents and minor parties are becoming increasingly well placed to capitalise on widespread disaffection with NSW Labor.
Wollongong Uniting Church Minister Gordon Bradbery, tipped to make a tilt at politics when his tenure ends in December, would not confirm the ongoing rumours yesterday, but hinted: "watch this space".