Locals divided on Clive Palmer MP
CLIVE Palmer's on-again off-again political career may take off after all if he sticks with his latest plan to chase LNP pre-selection in the Coast seat of Fairfax.
The mining magnate used a weekend press conference to reveal his preference for the blue ribbon seat, after earlier dropping plans to go head-to-head with Federal Treasure Wayne Swan.
And the word on the streets of Fairfax yesterday indicated there might be at least some support for the controversial billionaire.
One Coolum Beach businessman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he thought Mr Palmer would bring about some positive change in the tourism sector.
"I think Clive will do what Clive wants to do," he said.
"My personal view is I don't think he should run, but from a business view, I think yes.
"He's a go-getter."
Others expressed a similar view with Jim Turfrey, from Maroochydore, saying he thought he would "do a good job".
But not everyone agreed.
"I think he's a show pony - he just loves to see his name," a Buderim business owner said.
"He's too big to be taken seriously and to run for federal parliament.
"He can't run a business and be a member of parliament.
"He's a good businessman, but he's a joke, you never know if he's serious.
"He's obviously a smart man and businessman, but he's a show pony."
Buderim resident Warwick Cooney also questioned Mr Palmer's ability to juggle occupations and did not believe he was suited to the job.
"I do not believe Clive Palmer should stand for any seat," he said.
"He would be too busy building the Titanic and casinos to devote enough time for the well-being of his constituents."
But not everyone has an opinion, with a Kenilworth resident claiming he had never heard of Clive Palmer, let alone his ambition to run for the seat of Fairfax.
Mr Palmer said he had chosen Fairfax as the seat he "most favoured at the moment" because he'd owned a house at Coolum for more than 15 years.
"It is an exciting area, it's got the Palmer Coolum Resort there. There are a lot of links there, we (are) the largest employer on the Sunshine Coast," he said.
"So it's better, if I was going to stand for politics, which I haven't decided yet, to stand somewhere where the people know you and you know them."
He paid tribute to sitting member Alex Somlyay, who plans to retire at the next election.
"I think he has done a good job, he's a good member and a loyal person. He's supported the party and has been there for a long time," Mr Palmer said.
Mr Somlyay, who has held the seat since 1990, was unavailable for comment yesterday.
