A fair point David Palmer, which is probably why, if possible, it would be worth a quick google of our local members to see their policies or, if possible, their political history and conduct.

I completely agree, David Palmer.

>>I don't think we should get too carried away with the incorruptibility of independents... Corruptibility is a personal quality, a matter of the heart in the face of opportunities for corruption presented.<<

It is, however, a quality that has intrinsically greater value when vested in an Independent.

However incorruptible the individual "member on one of the two major political parties" may be, they remain at the service of their Party, and to their populist whims and opinion-poll-driven backflips.

My vote this time around will go to none of the visible Parties in NSW, none of whom has the least interest in serving the State. Witness the lemming-like defection from the Labor ranks, all in a panic to get out before they are thrown out, and the policy-free-zones that are the other Parties.

But you are perfectly right, there is no guarantee either that your Independent candidate is not also motivated entirely by the money, the perks and the unbelievably iniquitous superannuation arrangements.

Considering the naked self interest displayed by Rob Oakeshott, the fortunes of the independents are likely to take a turn for the worse.

Having flown the country / conservative flag and then given power to Labor, there is far fewer that are prepared to give any independent the benefit of the doubt.

SM, the current polling in Port Mcq has the Nats and an independent level pegging. I think this reflects the influx into Port by retirees from Sydney into the region.