SA:SA deputy premier gives Rann his support

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2011
SA:SA deputy premier gives Rann his support

By Tim Dornin

ADELAIDE, April 28 AAP - South Australian Premier Mike Rann is "without doubt" the
best person to be leading the government, Deputy Premier John Rau says.

Delivering a strong endorsement of Mr Rann on Thursday, Mr Rau said he expected the
premier to lead Labor to the next state election in 2014 after winning a third term just
over a year ago.

"As far as I know, he's going to be there until 2014," Mr Rau told reporters.

"He seems to be enjoying the job. He's doing a good job.

"I've been really impressed with him in the time that I've had an opportunity to work
closely with him in the ministry.

"He's an outstanding leader, an outstanding premier.

"He's without doubt the best person to be leading the Labor Party in South Australia
at the present time."

Mr Rau brushed off a recent opinion poll which put primary support for Labor in SA
at just 24 per cent, its lowest level since 1993.

If an election were held now, such a showing could result in the government losing
up to 15 of its 26 seats.

"I don't know what the polling is showing," Mr Rau said.

"I know that there were various things reported in the paper.

"But I would remind you that we're nearly three years out from an election, so many
things can happen in that time," Mr Rau said.

The newspaper poll had Liberal leader Isobel Redmond well ahead of Mr Rann as preferred premier.

The government is also dealing with the issue of the sudden resignation of Industrial
Relations Minister Bernard Finnigan from the cabinet.

Mr Finnigan quit last week after less than three months in the job, with his resignation
likely to be subject to some discussion next week when parliament resumes.

Mr Rau said he was looking forward to an exhilarating, rather than uncomfortable, week
in parliament, as he sidestepped the question of his own leadership ambitions.

"It should be a great week for legislation next week.

"I'm really enjoying the prospect of getting in there next week and getting involved
in finishing off the legislation that we have in the parliament.

"That's what I do, that's my job," Mr Rau said.

AAP tjd/ajw

KEYWORD: RANN

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