NSW: No leadership challenge to Chikarovski

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2000
NSW: No leadership challenge to Chikarovski

SYDNEY, Aug 8 AAP - Kerry Chikarovski remains New South Wales Liberal leader after
a party room meeting came and went today without any sign of a challenge.

There were persistent rumours today's meeting may see a challenge, but it appears the
leadership issue was not even discussed.

Mrs Chikarovski said there were "no problems" at the meeting.

"The parliamentary Liberal Party's on track ... no problems," she told reporters.

Upper house member and Chikarovski supporter Charlie Lynn described the meeting as
"a bit uneventful" while sacked frontbencher Peter Debnam and deposed leader Peter Collins
said nothing.

Potential leadership contender Barry O'Farrell, did not emerge with the others but
a spokeswoman for Mrs Chikarovski said he had attended the meeting.

"No problems whatsoever, great day, great day," opposition spokesman on community services
Stephen O'Doherty said.

Mrs Chikarovski emerged from the party room laughing and flanked on either side by
other leadership contender Olympics spokesman Chris Hartcher and Upper House Leader Michael
Gallagher.

Premier Bob Carr denied reports he would prefer the lower profile Mr Hartcher as leader.

"Kerry Chikarovski is leader of her party because she is the best person there, like
it or not, she is the best person there," Mr Carr said.

"For that reason she is in the leadership, they might as well accept that and get behind her."

AAP sal/ah/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: LIBS NSW (CARRIED EARLIER)

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