We’re rid of Billy Gordon

THERE are few times the Cairns Post is beaten to a big announcement but yesterday we were pipped by the ABC.

Billy Gordon has quit from politics and won’t be recontesting the seat of Cook.

Ironically, coincidentally or coordinated, the announcement came as the Premier’s election campaign touched down in Cairns.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2015, this paper made its position clear how it felt about the MP’s performance early in his term.

Following ongoing allegations and accusations of domestic violence, admittance of not paying child maintenance and photos of Mr Gordon’s genitalia we believed we should take a stand.

Our front page headline said quite simply: “Just Go.”

Later he would fail a drink-driving test after a State of Origin match in which it emerged he didn’t have a driver’s licence to start with.

I’ll hand it to Mr Gordon. He stuck it out.

But then, why wouldn’t he? The pay is pretty good.

He bunkered down, issued sporadic releases, rarely took calls and Cape communities hardly saw him despite government records showing a healthy bill for air travel in the past year.

The Cairns Post hasn’t been on Mr Gordon’s Christmas (or is that footy celebration) drinks list after breaking all those stories your member of parliament just shouldn’t feature in.

It’s been a short and embarrassing state political career for Mr Gordon but more disappointingly for the seat of Cook.

The electorate, and Cairns, made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

We deserve so much better. Jennifer Spilsbury Editor