Perth Voice Interactive

PERTH Liberal candidate Darryl Moore says he “doesn’t care” who he faces at the September federal election.

Long-time Labor MP and defence minister Stephen Smith is retiring, with Vincent mayor Alannah MacTiernan odds-on at the time of going to press to be pre-selected in the battle to retain the seat.

Mr Moore refused to be drawn on whether he thought his chances of victory had improved with Mr Smith’s unexpected retirement.

“For many locals it is disappointing that the timing of Mr Smith’s departure coincides with yet another ugly period in this divided and dysfunctional Labor government’s history,” he says.

“My job as the Liberal candidate for Perth remains the same: I will be working hard every single day to meet as many locals as I can, listen to the issues that are important to them and share the Liberals’ positive plan to deliver a strong, prosperous economy and a safe and secure Australia.

“I ask the people of Perth to join with me, to vote Liberal and to end Labor’s mess.”

Ms MacTiernan, a former state Labor planning minister who ran for federal Labor in Liberal-held Canning in 2010, told the Voice, “this is a huge decision and I haven’t made up my mind yet”.

“I’m not playing games, Stephen” she told the Voice.

Party insiders concede the preselection is Ms MacTiernan’s if she wants it, with her “star power” regarded as vital to Labor’s chances of keeping the seat.

Federal Perth takes in the state seat of Perth and portions of the state seats of Mt Lawley and Maylands, which all swung strongly to the Liberals in March.

Before Julia Gillard’s loss of the Labor leadership the party feared the seat—on 5.9 per cent—was all-but lost.

Kevin Rudd’s return to the prime ministership has lifted Labor sails and party insiders believe Ms MacTiernan is its best chance to see off the Liberals’ challenge.

Mr Smith, a former WA Labor state secretary and adviser to Paul Keating, will personally direct the campaign of his successor.

“My favourite candidate? My favourite candidate for ALP preselection for the federal seat of Perth will be the candidate who the party chooses,” the unflappable Mr Smith said.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK