My priorities have not changed. That’s the message from member for MacKillop and quitting Liberal Party MP Nick McBride.
Mr McBride made the comment while responding to claims made by South Australia Liberal Party leader David Speirs that the MP’s resignation was “disappointing” and a “changing of priorities”.
“I would like to make it very clear—my priorities as the Member for MacKillop have not changed,” he said.
“As I said in my statement when leaving the Liberal Party, my primary aim is to achieve better outcomes and more funding for the people who live and work in MacKillop.”
Mr McBride said that as an independent, he had the freedom to work with whomever was in government to achieve results that benefitted the entire region.
“That is my aim.
“The people in MacKillop know that I pride myself on having respectful relationships with all sides of politics.”
Mr McBride has called on the Liberal Party leader to be respectful.
“My door is always open to anyone wanting respectful conversations that will benefit the region.”
In an interview with The [Naracoorte Community] News, Mr Speirs launched a scathing attack on Mr McBride, saying he walked away from the party for a range of complex “personal reasons” and that his choice was substandard.
Mr Speirs claimed that Mr McBride’s priorities have now changed, but this would in no way affect the party, its values, or its commitment.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
Related stories: Liberals confident over MacKillop, Response to McBride defection, Statement by Nick McBride – Member for MacKillop
