Macfarlane favourite as other contenders stumble

WE ARE all extremely lucky to live in a democratic society where individuals are free to express their views and opinions.

That freedom was evident yesterday at the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry Meet the Candidates Forum.

Six candidates contesting the seat of Groom pitched why they should represent the region.

They were six different candidates, from six different backgrounds, with six different views and opinions and with six different visions for the region and the nation.

However, if I was to be brutally honest, only one candidate showed up. He came prepared, knew his audience and was an experienced speaker.

For the rest, it was like a scene from a Monty Python movie – it was amateur hour.

Let’s face it, incumbent member Ian Macfarlane will win the seat of Groom on September 7 and he will win it comfortably. However, the onus is now on him to deliver in what will be his sixth term in office. He has promised construction on the Toowoomba Range bypass will start within 12 months of the Coalition delivering their first budget if they are successful come polling day.

It is time for him to put-up and deliver or face a legacy that will not be all that complimentary.