Wilson Tuckey

[Geoff]

Old Iron Bar has got rolled by the nationals in the seat of Kalgoorlie after 30 years in the parliament. What sort of money would Wilson go out on? I know his supper would be supper but in that he was defeated is there any reduction in benefit?

 

[Richo83]

I unno, all I know is the old douche is gone.

 

[Freo Big Fella]

30 years + stints in the shadow and actual ministries would = a pretty comfortable retirement I'd imagine.

It's been a very entertaining campaign out here - certainly made up for the dreary Federal one.

 

[Stylus]

A sad sad day. One of the few who gave solid entertainment to the lower house.

 

[AndSmithMustScore]

Given most politicians retire after they are defeated I wouldn't think that has any bearing on their pension or super.

 

[tandino]

Given most politicians retire after they are defeated I wouldn't think that has any bearing on their pension or super.

I believe there is a distinction between the two methods of going out, but only at the very fringes of eligability. It wouldn't make a difference after 30 years.

 

[Dagger5]

The Mad Uncle goes out graciously:

Liberal veteran Wilson Tuckey today broke his self-imposed silence to accuse National Tony Crook of using "fraudulent advertising" in his campaign to tip him out of parliament.

Mr Tuckey, who was ahead on primary votes in the seat of O'Connor but was beaten on preferences, held a press conference outside his Ascot home.

With his wife Jenny by his side and standing in front of a hand-lettered sign declaring "Where's da money, Mr Crook?", Wilson "Ironbar" Tuckey took aim at his former opponent and reflected on 30 years in office.

"I await for his vision of his maiden speech, when I think he believes the entire parliament will turn up to listen to him when he'll be lucky to have others there than his relatives. He is a nobody," Mr Tuckey said.

"I don't intend to be gracious at all to him. I think he won on fraudulent advertising."

He attacked Mr Crook's campaign, describing it as a political Ponzi scheme, and said voters would have to suffer the consequences.

"I think it's probably best described as a political ponzi scheme, where you give us the money, you give us the vote and we'll promise you magnificent returns," Mr Tuckey said.

He said his successor would be greeted with a "nasty party room" that wouldn't vote with him.

Mr Tuckey, 75, said he would not contest the seat at the next election
and dismissed any suggestions he should have stood down because of his age.

"You're standing on concrete that I laid not that long ago, and I don't think that I'm physically or mentally unfit," he said.

"I'd like to point out to you I'm not retiring from politics per say, I want to be around the place, I might even start a blog, because I think I should still be able to inform people of my views on issues from time to time."

The array of nicknames like "Ironbar" and seemingly unflattering descriptions such as "the crazy uncle of the Liberal Party", never bothered Mr Tuckey.

"I never minded, it's like Ironbar, I knew the background to what they were talking about but I think I turned it to my advantage."

"The reality is that is the type of labels you get because, as I said, you're prepared to say what other people dare think. And I did it, and I haven't apologised for anything I've done."

He described Prime Minister Julia Gillard as "grossly incompetent" and an "absolute failure in every administrative task" given to her.

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/tuckey-bows-out-with-a-parting-shot-20100909-152wx.html

 

[moistie]

The final thrashing twitches of the political career of a bitter old man.