Bridget-Anne Fowler Chair, Wellington Central Electorate New Zealand National Party

26 October 2001

Candidates line up for Wellington Central

National has opened nominations for its 2002 Wellington Central candidate, Wellington Central Electorate Chairperson Bridget-Anne Fowler announced today.

"National intends to convincingly win Wellington Central in 2002. Marian Hobbs snuck into the seat in 1999 with a majority of less than 1,500 votes.

"Wellington Central is a winnable seat for National. In 1999 National won more list votes than Labour. It won't be an easy seat for Marian Hobbs to hold on to.

"Marian was not even a local at the last election. Wellington Central didn't vote for her, they voted tactically. This time around, the battle will be about who will be the best representative for Wellington Central. National is confident we will select a better candidate than Marian Hobbs who has been an abject failure as a local MP.

"Marian hasn't lived up to the expectations of Wellington Central voters who want an effective local MP. Marian is a bumbling Minister who is rarely seen on the streets of Wellington.

"There has been tension between this Labour Government and the civil service which makes up a disproportionate number of Wellington Central voters. The mood in Wellington Central isn't behind Marian, National will deliver someone who will capture it," Mrs Fowler said.

Advertisements have been placed in Saturday's Dominion and Evening Post and will reappear on Wednesday 31 October and 7 November. Nominations close on 12 November, followed by the selection process. The final candidate will be selected at a meeting of party delegates on Sunday 16 December.

Ends

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