WOULD seeing a politician in nothing but a pair of togs sway your vote when push came to ballot?
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Two WA Labor politicians don't think it will, confirming they won’t follow Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Russian President Vladimir Putin or controversial independent politician Teresa Van Lieshout in donning beachwear for votes.
During a media conference at Australind Senior High School to discuss public education cuts across the South West, WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan was asked his thoughts on Ms Van Lieshout’s questionable appeal to the voters of Vasse – currently undergoing a by-election.
"It worked for Tony Abbott so maybe that’s where she is getting her lessons from but personally I won’t be adopting that course of action and I don’t think Mick Murray will be either."
- WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan.
Ms Van Lieshout, a 43-year-old ex-teacher, is seen in a video announcing her run for office clad in nothing but a revealing two-piece bikini and wielding fishing rod.
She is heard telling viewers “so in the Vasse by-election, cast your vote for [me],” before casting her rod into the ocean behind her.
Mr McGowan joked that he would not be following suit and discouraged Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, also present at the conference, from donning his togs during the state’s next election.
“It worked for Tony Abbott so maybe that’s where she is getting her lessons from but personally I won’t be adopting that course of action and I don’t think Mick Murray will be either,” Mr McGowan said.
“That’s my view, I know it’s controversial, but that’s the way I think we should look at these issues in the future – in fact, I might even launch a policy to that effect.”
Mr Murray said he did plan to run for the next round, but not in red Speedos.
“Not even in a pair of boardies to be quite honest, it is a shocking look,” Mr Murray said.
The image of Tony Abbott in tight red Speedos, or “budgie smugglers,” is burnt into the brains of thousands of Australians after he was snapped enjoying himself beachside in 2009.
The Prime Minister has promised to “shirt-front” Vladimir Putin, who was also snapped shirtless and in fishing pants, when the pair meet at the G20 summit in Brisbane.
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