MacKinnon concedes defeat

Press, 9 February 1989, Page 8

MacKinnon concedes defeat

NZPA-AAP Perth Western Australia’s Liberal Opposition leader, Barry MacKinnon, yesterday conceded defeat in last Saturday’s state election. The result of the poll had been in doubt since Saturday, but Mr MacKinnon said that following distribution of preferences it was now clear Labour had been returned for a third term. The size of the Labour majority was still unclear but it was likely to

be in the order of three seats and possibly five. Mr MacKinnon, speaking at a press conference in Perth, said the Labour Government had a huge responsibility to deliver on its commitments to voters and to restore accountability in its business dealings. He criticised the electoral system which enabled Labour to win despite receiving only 48 per cent of the twoparty preferred vote. Mr MacKinnon said

he had nothing to be ashamed of in the way he had conducted the campaign and said he intended to continue as Liberal leader. The deputy Liberal leader, Richard Court, said he would not challenge Mr MacKinnon for the leadership at a party meeting to be held on Friday. “Mr MacKinnon has earned his position and the respect of his colleagues. There will be no challenge from myself or anyone else that I know of,” Mr

Court said. Mr MacKinnon said he believes the worst revelations of the Labour Government’s dealings with business were yet to emerge. He rejected. claims that his style of leadership had cost the Liberal and National parties the election, or that the chances of victory for the Federal Opposition leader, John Howard, in the next Federal Election had been damaged by the result in Western Australia.