SORRY MP TO BOW OUT
UPPER House MP Simon Ramsay, pictured, will not recontest his seat at the coming state election after being caught drink-driving at almost four times the legal limit.
The Western Victoria Liberal MP yesterday met with Opposition Leader Matthew Guy to discuss his political future after blowing .19 when breathalysed by Bellarine police on Saturday night.
“I have met with Matthew Guy and advised him I will not recontest the next election,” Mr Ramsay told the Geelong Advertiser.
UPPER House MP Simon Ramsay will not recontest his seat at the state election after being caught drink-driving at almost four times the legal limit.
The Western Victoria Liberal MP yesterday met Opposition Leader Matthew Guy to discuss his political future after blowing .19 when breathalysed by Bellarine police on Saturday night.
“I have met with Matthew Guy and advised him I will not recontest the next election,” Mr Ramsay said in a statement released to the Geelong Advertiser.
“I am deeply remorseful for my actions and apologise for my error of judgment. I also regret any embarrassment and hurt caused to my family, friends, colleagues and the Liberal Party.”
Earlier this week Mr Guy had urged him to consider his future beyond the November 24 state election.
The Opposition Leader said he wanted the courts to throw the book at the Upper House MP, after Mr Ramsay revealed he blew almost four times the legal limit.
He resigned as shadow parliamentary secretary on the weekend in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Mr Ramsay had been at a Barwon Heads Football Club lunch on Saturday, held at waterfront restaurant At The Heads.
He posted an image to social media with the caption, “Proud to be part of the Matthew Guy team supporting local sporting clubs”, at 4.35pm.
It is understood Mr Ramsay rode his bike home from the lunch, but was later caught drink-driving by police after dinner with a friend, by which time he had consumed several beverages.
At 11.30pm police nabbed a 63-year-old Barwon Heads man — understood to be Mr Ramsay — swerving on to the wrong side of the road on Carr St, a few hundred metres from the luncheon location.
Mr Ramsay released a full statement to the Addy yesterday: “In the former government, the work done with the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee that reported on an inquiry into the supply and use of methamphetamine remains something I am very proud of.
“It has been a great honour to represent the people of Western Victoria.
“Eight years ago, working on my farm, I realised I could do more for farmers and country Victoria.
“It has been a privilege to have worked on important issues like protecting our CFA volunteers.
“Promoting and protecting our regional communities has been core to my effort.
“I want to thank my colleagues for their kindness during this difficult time and will continue in this term supporting the important work being done by Matthew and our parliamentary team. I offer Matthew all my support.”
The MP had been vocal on issues including roads, public transport, agriculture, water safety and voluntary euthanasia.
“I have met with Matthew Guy and advised him I will not recontest the next election.” SIMON RAMSAY