Fed: Andeson leadership not an issue: Dickie

AAP General News (Australia)
02-19-2001
Fed: Andeson leadership not an issue: Dickie

The National Party's federal president says JOHN ANDERSON's leadership is not an issue.

HELEN DICKIE says apart from one dissident, the party is united behind Mr ANDERSON
and his deputy, MARK VAILE.

Her comments follow an attack by Queensland National Party MP BOB KATTER against Mr
ANDERSON and the direction of the party's leadership.

She says tomorrow's meeting of all National Party MPs and senators, in the southern
New South Wales town of Corowa, won't see a leadership showdown.

Mrs DICKIE says the party's dismal showing in Queensland state election is a continuation
of the problems faced in the West Australian and Victorian polls.

But she says much of the criticism focused on the National Party is unfair.

She says Mr ANDERSON has put the largest amount of money into rural and regional Australia
of any government since federation, but voters are ignoring that.

She says it's important both the Liberal and National parties present themselves as
a cohesive team rather than engaging in in-fighting.

AAP RTV sw/daw/alt/jxt

KEYWORD: NATIONALS (CANBERRA)

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