THE WESTERN FRONT: Libs In Crisis In Calwell After Candidate Crunched

A Liberal member of the OC Investigations Unit has filed this story of western suburbs woe in the Liberal party:

It's been a while, but its about time that I should shed some light on the happenings out in the North West.

Recently, as reported by one of your favorite papers, the Age, Liberal Candidate Paul McLoughlin (pictured above) has resigned as candidate for the Federal ALP held seat of Calwell. (OC: Made nearly marginal under the reign of error of Maria Vamvakinou)

Of course, this seat is always difficult for the Liberal Party to gain ground - it was only helped along last election by a scare campaign related to the Deer Park By Pass and it is assumed that it will continue to be an ALP stronghold for many years to come & if the swing is on this year, it will easily go back to the 10% mark.

It is also confirmed that the Liberal Party has selected Paul McLoughlin's former Campaign manager and Calwell FEC Chairwoman, Di Livett as its replacement candidate.

This is where the fun begins. It is reported that Di Livett is the entire reason that Paul McLoughlin quit as candidate and as confirmed today - has quit the Liberal Party.

Paul and Di had a falling out over media comments and who could say what. Di Livett wanted to ensure that Paul McLoughlin said nothing to the media and that all media comments were to be made by her. She banned him from discussing any items of Coalition policy with local electors, resident groups or community organisations.

It is reported that Di Livett ordered that:

■ Paul McLoughlin obtain the full name, phone number and residential address from anyone calling him for media comment so that she could go away and check it against the electoral roll - obviously a little paranoid here
■ Seek as much information to ensure that the Journalist isn't an ALP stooge
■ Banned Paul McLoughlin from talking to resident associations in the electorate as she claims they are all ALP stooge organisations (OC: Am lovin' that reds under the bed paranoia)

Some facts about Di Livett:

■ She does not Live in Calwell and hasn't lived in the west or north for 30 + years
■ Lives in leafy Ashburton (Peter Costello's Seat)
■ Does not drive
■ Does not have a drivers license - how will she attend campaign related activities?

Well Calwell was never going to be a seat that the Liberals were ever going to win this year, but now the race is going to be made even more difficult.

Game on.