Vic: Libs select local health manager as Gippsland candidate=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2008
Vic: Libs select local health manager as Gippsland candidate=2

Mr Fitzgerald, a married father of four boys, will be running against Nationals candidate,
former journalist and political staffer Darren Chester, in the by-election, expected to
be held in late May or early June.

While he said he was not an experienced politician, Mr Fitzgerald said his work in
the health sector and family responsibilities gave him an understanding of what the region
needed.

"I have nominated as the Liberal Party's candidate for Gippsland because I believe
I can make a real difference, as an energetic and passionate advocate for our community,"

Mr Fitzgerald said in a statement.

"There is no doubt that our region faces a number of critical challenges in health,
employment, transport, infrastructure, water and education.

"As a health professional, I'm keenly aware of the difficulties local families have
in accessing basic GP services."

Earlier this month, Liberal senator Bill Heffernan suggested standing a joint Liberal-National
candidate in the Victorian seat, with the Liberal federal council to consider a merger
proposal later this year.

But the Nationals pre-selected Mr Chester last week.

The Country/National party has held the Victorian seat since 1922, with only four members
in that time.

Mr McGauran has held the seat since 1984 but his once safe margin was shaved to 5.9
per cent last November.

Labor's 2007 candidate, Jane Rowe, has nominated for preselection but no ALP candidate
has been chosen.

AAP jrd/ldj/cdh

KEYWORD: GIPPSLAND 2 MELBOURNE

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