QUENTIN DEMPSTER: Morris Iemma fronted the media late this afternoon when it was clear that he'd be elected unopposed as leader of the parliamentary Labor Party. The only other possible contender, the Lefts John Watkins, currently the Transport Minister indicated he wouldn't challenge for the leadership. Morris Iemma was up. But that wasn't the case this morning when Mr Iemma visited St George Hospital for a scheduled announcement about surgeon recruitment. Morris Iemma will be the next Premier of NSW, but he didn't know it at 10 o'clock this morning.
MORRIS IEMMA, HEALTH MINISTER: I thought you were interested in the training, but not quite as interested as this.
QUENTIN DEMPSTER: With backing from party heavyweights, Mr Iemma seemed confident, but stone-walled his way through a bizarre rendezvous with the media.
MORRIS IEMMA: Win, lose or draw on Tuesday, I'll be available to answer all of your questions.
QUENTIN DEMPSTER: The minister's minders didn't intervene, as we all packed into a lift which soon became overloaded. Mr Iemma was trapped.
REPORTER: Do you think you'll bring sparkle to the government?
MORRIS IEMMA: I think I've already answered that. I'm really --
REPORTER: But sparkling in particular, is that something you bring?
MORRIS IEMMA: I'm pleased that you are interested in our next phase of training more surgeons for our hospital. I didn't think you were this interested.
QUENTIN DEMPSTER: Eventualy he escaped from the lift.
REPORTER: Are you happy that Mr Tripodi and Obeid are backing you, does that make your task easier?
MORRIS IEMAA: I'm encouraged.
QUENTIN DEMPSTER: With Carl Scully's withdrawal late this afternoon Morris Iemma was preparing to have greatness thrust upon him.
MORRIS IEMMA: I'd like to pay tribute to Carl who's been a friend and continues to be a friend and colleague and in his telephone call to me pledged to work with me in the government for the re-election of the Labor Government and he's a valued colleague and we'll be working very closely with me and he's also a friend. I've got a lot of plans and a lot of ideas and I want to share those with you on Tuesday. There's a process that still has to be complete. I wouldn't have nominated if I didn't have a clear view of plans and the way forward.
REPORTER: Can you give just a hint of those ideas?
MORRIS IEMMA: Well, I think - I just asked that you be a bit patient about that. I wouldn't have nominated if I obviously didn't have a clear view about those plans and those ideas.
REPORTER: What's your top priority? Is it the trains?
MORRIS IEMMA: Well, obviously the issues that are important to the people of NSW. That's one of those. And health, although I won't be the Health Minister, will continue to be one of the top priorities.
REPORTER: Mr Iemma, what does this actually mean to you personally?
MORRIS IEMMA: Well, this is a great honour and privilege and I say that with the process complete on Tuesday. There is still a ballot.
REPORTER: Mr Iemma, what role did the Labor Party head office play in ensuring that you're the only candidate now for the Premiership?
MORRIS IEMMA: No deals have been done and I can assure you that no commitments were sought and no commitments have been made.
REPORTER: Mr Iemma, can you just tell us something personally about how you're feeling about the week that was?
MORRIS IEMMA: I can tell you I haven't seen a lot of my children this week, so I'm looking forward to going home and spending some time with my wife and four children.
REPORTER: Are you worried you won't see more of your children over the next few years?
MORRIS IEMMA: Well, I can tell you I'm a father and a husband first. I'm going to - if I'm elected on Tuesday, if there are no other candidates or if there's another nomination and I'm elected - I'm going to work very hard and do the best job I can for the people of NSW. At the end of the day, that's why I've nominated for the position and why I want to be Premier - to do the best for them. To do the best for them. So I'll be give the job my full energy and absolute commitment. But I'm also a husband and father first and most of all tonight I'm going to look forward to going home and spending time with my four kids and wife. You can't fill Bob's shoes. 17 years as a leader. He's been one of the outstanding Labor figures in Labor history. His shoes can't be filled. But I, like all premiers, again if I'm elected on Tuesday, want to put my stamp on the government with a clear view of the way forward, put my stamp on the government with a clear view of the way forward and I look forward to doing that and sharing it with you on Tuesday. Thanks a lot.
