The federal election is well and truly off and running on Magnetic Island, clearly shown by these exclusive shots of corflutes supporting Cathy O'Toole , ALP Member for Herbert , strategically placed on the perimeter fence at the popular Nelly Bay Nursery . Ms. O'Toole will attend a candidates forum at the Magnetic Island Residents and Ratepayers Association this weekend , a fact which seems to have escaped the snoozing mainland media , especially the Townsville Bulletin .
As she won the seat by a mere 37 votes , it is going to be a hotly contested fight . It is a fascinating situation . Billionaire Clive Palmer , who wants to take command of the Titanic ll , bought a penthouse in Townsville , at one stage said he might stand in Herbert , sued O'Toole for defamation . Latest word is that he going to throw his hat , money and bulk into another seat.
The feedback we get from various sources is that many Liberal National Party voters in North Queensland " dislike" PM Scott Morrison , referring to his supercilious smirk when addressing members of the media and when seated in parliament . If the feeling was that Malcolm Turnbull did not go over well in the Sunshine State , then ScoMo is even less popular.
There is also growing uneasiness about the LNP candidate for Herbert, Phillip Thompson , despite the work of spin doctors , joint PR handouts and photo opportunities with Senator Ian Macdonald , who has expressed the desire to still be in office at age 80 , despite having been written off and demoted by his own colleagues in the Coalition Canberra bubble bloodbath .
Macdonald holds tucker gatherings in his office at which the growing tension and unease about the looming election battle is evident to those who masticate ; gnash their molars in despair when they depart from a bunfight that could lead up to the Last Supper for several LNP disciples . More election specials to follow .
