Labor or Liberal.
What choice will Nick McBride, the member of Mackillop, make if he holds the balance of power in the next election?
The independent member who left the Liberal Party in July, citing ‘dark forces’ and factionalism, seems to have made up his mind.
In an exclusive interview with The [Naracoorte Community] News, Mr McBride revealed his plans, saying he will stay on the crossbench and contest the next election as an independent but will support the Liberals if he holds the balance of power.
“So, this is one of the things that I really need to do to make sure that I get this message out. I am an economic conservative, and I am also what we call liberal-progressive on social issues, and I am still that way inclined,” he said.
“I think my political choices are made up. I am independent, and I am going to stay independent. It’s all about Mackillop.
“There’re not many choices that I need to make. If I held the balance of power, it certainly would be very difficult and strange of me not to give strong consideration to putting a Liberal government back in power.”
“That’s where I will lean and fall. It would be strange if I didn’t do that,” he said.
But Mr McBride said, “it doesn’t mean I can’t.”
He said while he will support the Liberal Party, he doesn’t see the party winning the next election.
“I have made up my mind that after 16 years in opposition as a Liberal member, as a part of this area, I was sad about the state liberal government.
“We get into power for one term, and we lose it after one term, and making my considerations around being an independent also had considerations that I don’t foresee that the Liberals will be back in power in the next election—at least, unless something really untoward happens.
Mr McBride said “the Liberals really need to find their way” if they want to win.
“And that can happen, and I will be prepared for that.”
As a matter of choice, he was happy to work with the Malinauskas government “to get work done for Mackillop.”
“I think this Labor Malinauskas government is probably one of the most conservative Labor Governments we have seen in a long time.
“So, I am probably more willing to answer your question, more willing to work with the Labor Government, than trying to entertain, help, and assist the Liberals.”
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
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