REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Monday August 8, 2005

RON Clarke was so determined to finish at the Mexico Olympics he destroyed a heart valve – so he wanted it to be made clear, he was not giving up on the Gold Coast mayoralty.

In a move to end speculation, Cr Clarke said he would serve his full term.

He said there was “no way in the world” he would not complete his four years as Mayor.

“I have no intention of standing down in any way, shape or form … unless I’m struck by lightning,” said Cr Clarke.

The Mayor’s comments ended intense speculation that followed the announcement by his deputy, Cr David Power, that he would run for mayor in 2008.

Cr Clarke, who ruled out running for a second term, openly supported Cr Power’s bid and had already said he believed Cr Power would make a better mayor.

Cr Power’s announcement that he was already working on his mayoral campaign sparked rumours Cr Clarke would stand aside for him before the 2008 election – just as former Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley did for his deputy, Tim Quinn.

Mr Quinn was not returned to power, beaten by Campbell Newman the previous year.

Cr Clarke said there was no deal between him and Cr Power.

“I will be going until the very end. I’ve never ever stopped anything before the end and I’m not going to start now.”

Cr Power resigned from council in 2007 and Cr Clarke announced he would recontest the mayoralty, winning in 2008 before retiring in 2012.