Too close to call

TENTERFIELD voters may have their third MP in two years after what looked like an upset for the local electorate in Saturday’s NSW poll.
On Saturday night, while the Baird Liberal/Nationals Government was returned with a slight swing against, in the northern seat of Lismore the formerly safe Nationals seat was well and truly up for grabs.
Lismore MP Thomas George (Nationals) looked to be in the fight of his political life when a high Greens vote in early counting – and likely ALP preferences – had tipsters looking at a spill.
Later counting on Tuesday and Wednesday had the Nationals edging closer, but with the very real prospect the Greens could take the seat.
The coal seam gas issue in northern NSW is thought to have contributed to the electoral reversal.
In a statement on Monday, Mr George acknowledged the turnaround in his vote.
“It’s clear the result of this election in Lismore is incredibly close,“ Mr George said.
“It is important that as the NSW Electoral Commission takes the time to ensure all ballots are properly counted and recounted over the next few days, we all respect the job they are doing.
“In all likelihood, we may not have a declaration until after the Easter long weekend.
“Whatever the outcome, I will accept the decision of the people of the Lismore electorate.“
Tenterfield and surrounding districts were tucked into the Lismore electorate from the Northern Tablelands electorate in a 2013 redistribution.
Mr George has held the seat of Lismore since 1999.
The margin at the 2011 election was a comfortable 24.3 per cent.