Nationals candidate Ian Blayney faces uphill battle, but party not one to shy away from a challenge

The odds may not be in their favour but that is not going to stop The Nationals from having a red hot go at running for Durack in the upcoming Federal election. Speaking from Geraldton last week, Nationals WA leader Mia Davies said it was great to have former Geraldton MP Ian Blayney back on the campaign trail on the back of his endorsement as The Nationals’ candidate for Durack. With incumbent MHR and Cabinet minister Melissa Price holding the seat with a 13.5 per cent margin, Ms Davies conceded Mr Blayney was facing an uphill battle. But she said The Nationals felt it was important to have a presence at every Federal election campaign to assure constituents the party would always fight for regional WA. “We are in Coalition at a Federal level, but it is also important that we have somebody that can get out there and provide people with the opportunity to vote for The Nationals,” she said. “We are a political party and we want representation at all of the levels where the decisions are made. We are used to big challenges, and just because it is difficult doesn’t mean you don’t have a go, and The Nationals have always been in there fighting. “We don’t always win but we certainly make sure that people know we are having a go, and that’s been a mantra for the party for 100-plus years that we have been in existence.” Ms Davies said Mr Blayney would bring decades of industry experience to the role, and was already well-versed in the top issues affecting Durack. “Ian knows this region very well and he’s highly respected. I’m looking forward to making sure we get out and about with him over the course of the election,” she said. “He is very passionate about the Mid West, and Geraldton in particular having been the former member. “We know he will make sure the issues that are important at a Federal perspective are brought to the attention of not only (Nationals Senator for Victoria and Federal minister) Bridget McKenzie, but also with our other members.” Ms Davies said she would love to see a Federal MP from The Nationals WA “sitting in the Cabinet room and being part of those important decisions” in the near future.