‘Mainstream’ Mallard

At a campaign launch in William St last week Cr Mallard accused his three main opponents - Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Labor's Meredith Burgmann and the Greens' Chris Harris - of being "all on the hard left, competing for air".

He said voters had a choice between his "middle-ground, mainstream team and a cluster of hardline candidates".

Cr Mallard said the Lord Mayor's biggest weakness was her management of the council's finances.

He described her as "a kid in a lolly shop" who had engaged in "an orgy of spending" during her four-year tenure.

"With growing economic uncertainty, Sydney can no longer afford this big-spending Lord Mayor and her unquestioning councillors," Cr Mallard said.

In the lead-up to September 13, the Liberals planned to focus on three main policy areas, including strategies for restoring Sydney's confidence and pride.

"I just visited Melbourne as the city is booming, but Sydney is stagnating," Cr Mallard said.

"We've had enough of negativity - we need to restore some pride into our city." The Liberals would also announce policies on street safety, policing, and traffic and parking issues.

Next week: Lord Mayor Clover Moore on the upcoming election

Photo: Left to right: Liberals David Evans, Edward Mandla, Rebecca Lau, Shayne Mallard, Georgina Anderson, Jeff Koid and Glenn Phillips.

Source: Central 30^th July 2008