NSW: Armstrong throws his support behind Chikarovski

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-1998
NSW: Armstrong throws his support behind Chikarovski

SYDNEY, Dec 5 AAP - NSW National Party leader Ian Armstrong has thrown his support behind
likely opposition leadership candidate Kerry Chikarovski.

In a reference to former federal ALP leader Bill Haydens comment that even a drovers dog
could win the 1983 election (subsequently won by his successor, Bob Hawke), Mr Armstrong said,
"I dont think Chikarovski could be described as a drovers dog, anything but.

"I think shes a very smart and very quick whippet, if you like, but certainly not a
drovers dog".

Mr Armstrong said he respected the Liberal Partys decision to change leadership after Mr
Collins this morning said he would not stand again for the leadership in a party room spill on
Monday.

"On Monday, if Mrs Chikarovski is elected as the leader, I look forawrd to working with her
in a rock solid coalition to win government".

Mr Armstrong said he believed Mr Collins could have won the March 27 poll and denied the
Liberals toppling of Mr Collins was an act of desperation.

Mrs Chikarovski is currently environment spokeswoman and has widely been tipped as a
challenger to Mr Collins since he took over as leader after the coalitions defeat in 1995.

Mr Armstrong said he believed Mrs Chikarovski could win government for the coalition.

"She is certainly a popular person in this city, she is popular with the press, she is
young, she has got drive and obviously she has ambitions," he said.

AAP cm/lk/wjf

KEYWORD: LEADERSHIP ARMSTRONG

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