Stripped of glory

Hickey within her rights

ASTUTE political observers would not be surprised by the biased article by Brad Stansfield in the Saturday Mercury (Talking Point, October 12). On at least two occasions he has attempted to denigrate Speaker Sue Hickey, for what he refers to as defection from the Government.

As far as I am aware, any member of the Liberal Party, other than a minister, has the right to cross the floor, if they do not agree with forwarded legislation. Ms Hickey has done no more than this. She has stated her position with courage, and has committed to support the Government in a no-confidence motion, and is still a full member of the Liberal Party.

Of course you would not expect Mr. Stansfield, as the Premier’s former chief of staff, to inform the public why Ms Hickey chose to accept the Speaker’s chair, or why he thinks Madeleine Ogilvie will be more supportive of the Government than Ms Hickey. THIS year’s Bathurst 1000 has been soured by the “win at all costs” attitude of the DJR/Team Penske combination in providing team orders to it’s two drivers near the end of race which was totally lacking in any degree of sportsmanship ( Mercury, October 15). Scott McLaughlin and Fabian Coulthard have proven themselves top-class drivers with very quick vehicles and are now going to be branded as cheats as a result of orders which undoubtedly came from the top of their team’s management. I have no doubt that rules will be changed to prevent similar cheating ever happening again but the damage to the great race has already been done and left many fans disillusioned.

And yes, Scott McLaughlin should be stripped of the win in order to send a very clear message to all teams.