Vic: Tensions reignite between former Coalition partners

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2000
Vic: Tensions reignite between former Coalition partners

The upcoming battle for Benalla has reignited tensions between the Liberal and National
Parties at a two-day regional conference which continues today.

State Liberal and National Party members yesterday returned to Ballarat - scene of
their worst electoral debacle - for a workshop on how they can win back disgruntled regional
voters.

But long-standing tensions resurfaced when National Party leader PETER RYAN warned
his former Liberal coalition partners not to run a candidate in the seat yet to be vacated
by his predecessor, PAT McNAMARA.

Contests between the conservative parties in by-elections are allowed under the now
defunct coalition agreement but have long been a source of angst for the Nationals.

Mr McNAMARA will take his seat when parliament resumes on February 29, and has assured
colleagues he will not force a by-election until he's confident the Nationals can win.

The Liberal Party was wiped out in Ballarat, losing two lower house and two upper house
seats there along with the neighbouring lower house seats of Ripon and Gisborne.

AAP RTV lmw/as/msk

KEYWORD: COALITION VIC (MELBOURNE)

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