GAME OF THRONES

THE Far North’s own Game of Thrones has taken a new twist with the Cairns-based Bishop throwing his support behind the bid for a breakaway North Queensland.

Bishop James Foley embraced a suggestion by campaigner Professor David Flint to use the Cairns Masonic Centre, which is owned by the church, as the home of a legislative assembly.

The Bishop said the throne at his official residence, crafted from Queensland red cedar, could be used by the Speaker.

“I have always felt our states are too big to adequately represent the needs of people,” Bishop Foley said.

THE Far North’s Catholic Bishop has voiced his support for a breakaway North Queensland state — offering up a throne and possible parliament chamber in Cairns.

Bishop James Foley believes the throne, currently in his Cairns residence, would make an ideal Speaker’s chair.

He agreed with a suggestion by Australians for Constitutional Monarchy leader, Professor David Flint, that Cairns Masonic Hall in Minnie St could house a North Queensland Parliament.

“Brisbane is closer to Melbourne than it is to Cairns. We need several smaller states,” Bishop Foley said.

“I have always felt our states are too big to adequately represent the needs of people.”

Although Bishop Foley comes from Brisbane, he took up an appointment in the Far North in 1992 and considers himself a true North Queenslander. He has oversight of 27 schools, two hospitals and numerous aged-care facilities in 23 parishes from Cardwell in the south to the Torres Strait in the north.

“I am flat out keeping an eye on or having a feel for what we should be doing in those places,” he said.

“I have often thought how a premier in Brisbane or a minister for health or education could possibly have that same feel or eye for what is happening.”

Bishop Foley told the Cairns Post he had not previously considered the idea of a separate state, but indicated the offer of the throne was a playful way of showing his support for North Queensland.

He would not, however, be drawn on the capital city for a separate state.

Unlike Prof Flint, who suggested Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston should be the first North Queensland Governor, Bishop Foley put forward the name of the Far North’s favourite son from Innisfail, Billy Slater.

“I think Billy Slater would do well on the North Queensland throne,” he said.

Picture: STEWART McLEAN SEAT OF POWER: Bishop James Foley sits on the throne which is currently in his residence near St Monica’s Cathderal in Cairns.

Picture: STEWART McLEAN SEAT OF POWER: Bishop James Foley is offering a throne for a new North Queensland state parliament.

AVAILABLE: Cairns Masonic Lodge, which the church owns, could be home to a parliament.