Fed: Democrats staying silent on Murray today
CANBERRA, Aug 3 AAP - Australian Democrats senators have resolved not to respond todayto colleague-in-exile Andrew Murray's move to extend the deadline to decide his politicalfuture.
Senator Murray wrote to the other six Democrats senators yesterday to say he wouldnot be able to meet tomorrow's deadline to respond to the party's ultimatum to come backinto the fold or quit.
"I am unable to respond by Sunday. I will try to respond by COB (close of business)Tuesday," his letter said.
Senator Murray has gone into self-imposed exile, withdrawing from the partyroom andditching his portfolio responsibilities to sit on the party's backbench.
The six remaining Democrats senators agreed earlier this week to demand Senator Murrayoutline his future by tomorrow.
Leader Natasha Stott Despoja earlier told ABC Radio the deadline would stand and noextension was necessary.
"At this stage I have no reason to believe the deadline won't be met but that's a discussionthat we'll have on Sunday," Senator Stott Despoja said.
But after a telephone hook-up with the other five senators - deputy leader Aden Ridgeway,Andrew Bartlett, John Cherry, Lyn Allison and Brian Greig - they resolved to remain silenttoday.
"There'll be no statement today," Senator Stott Despoja's spokeswoman said.
"Senator Stott Despoja is keen for her colleagues to consider this issue.
"They're considering his proposal."
She was uncertain when a response might be forthcoming.
AAP fh/ph
KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий