Rejoicing for choice in New England

Interesting development in Federal politics:

BARNABY Joyce has confirmed he is considering contesting the northern New South Wales seat of New England now held by independent Tony Windsor.

It could be a gripping clash between the National Party senator, and the National Party renegade now an independent, who have made clear they don't like each other.

Barnaby, or more to the point, the pre-selectors in New England, will have to make some decisions pretty quickly, as an election announcement could come sooner rather than later.

Funny how perceptions change. When Barnaby was first elected to the Senate, many conservatives considered him a loose canon, a bit feral. Now he is refarded as one of the best grass-roots politicians of either side. Someone who can dissect issues and explain them in simple, matter-of-fact terms - often very matter-of-fact.

If Barnaby Joyce decides to stand in New England, I predict the seat returning to the National Party with a swing comparable to those we saw in the recent NSW election.

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