NSW: Elaine Nile bounces back into health and upper house

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2000
NSW: Elaine Nile bounces back into health and upper house

By Jane Wardell, State Political Correspondent

SYDNEY, Aug 28 AAP - Just weeks after announcing her retirement from New South Wales
politics due to ill health, Christian Democrats MP Elaine Nile has bounced back saying
that she is well enough to continue.

No-one was more shocked by Mrs Nile's about-face than the man the Christian Democrats
Party (CDP) had chosen to replace her, John Bradford.

The press release issued late yesterday was the first Mr Bradford knew of Mrs Nile's
decision to soldier on and rejoin husband Reverend Fred Nile in the upper house.

The lack of consultation appeared to cause a rift in the party, but none of the main
players were making detailed comments today.

Mr Bradford said the matter would be discussed at a meeting of the CDP management committee
tonight.

"I am surprised and disappointed," he said.

Rumoured reasons for Mrs Nile's change of heart centre on Mr Bradford's living arrangements.

Mr Bradford came under fire last week when it was reported that he still lived on the
Gold Coast, despite his enrolment details for NSW parliament showing his residence to
be in Narrabeen, in Sydney's north.

Under state laws, a person must have lived in NSW for at least 28 days before being
entitled to go on the electoral roll and run for public office.

The matter was referred to State Electoral Commissioner, John Wasson, who gave Mr Bradford
the green light.

Mr Wasson said he was satisfied that Mr Bradford did live in Narrabeen after the prospective
MP proved he had the phone connected and furniture moved.

One source said the Niles were still not satisfied from a moral stance, especially
as Mr Bradford was not planning to move his wife and three teenage children to Sydney
until the end of the year.

Both Niles remained silent today.

Mrs Nile cited passive smoking and late sitting hours when she announced last month
she was retiring three years short of her term.

Rev Nile is believed to be the chairman of the committee at which Mr Bradford's future
will be discussed.

In a statement, Mrs Nile said she was returning indefinitely in response to letters of support.

"During the winter recess of the NSW parliament, my health has continued to improve,
especially my breathing difficulties," she said.

"I hope with God's help and the faithful prayers of my friends and supporters to continue
in the upper house ... for the people and families of NSW until my term is completed in
March 2003."

Rev Nile made no secret of the fact that he had tried to dissuade his wife from retiring
early when she made the announcement in July.

AAP jw/sb/hu/br

KEYWORD: NILE NIGHTLEAD

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.