Qld: Thin-skinned MP won't quit rough and tumble political arena

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2008
Qld: Thin-skinned MP won't quit rough and tumble political arena

By Crystal Ja

GOLD COAST, Dec 16 AAP - A Queensland MP who threatened to sue two elderly women who
publicly criticised him has admitted he's got a thin skin.

But despite his sensitivities, and Premier Anna Bligh urging him to consider his future,
Labor MP Phil Gray says he has no intention of quitting the rough and tumble world of
politics.

Mr Gray, who holds the marginal state seat of Gaven on the Gold Coast, has been accused
of bullying after sending letters threatening to sue two elderly women.

In the latest case, he reportedly demanded a 63-year-old Labor supporter pay him $10,000
for "hurt and embarrassment" over comments she wrote about him in an internal party report.

The threat was withdrawn after the media picked up on the story.

Mr Gray also withdrew an earlier threat to sue another elderly lady after she said
she wouldn't vote for him at a public meeting in November.

His behaviour prompted Ms Bligh to issue two formal rebukes, and a recommendation that
the MP take some time to weigh up his future.

On Tuesday, Mr Gray admitted he'd over-reacted but would not turn his back on politics.

"I over-reacted, it's as simple as that," he told AAP.

"I made a mistake. Most people in life make mistakes and I think it serves no purpose
to not admit it.

"But I never questioned (my future in politics). I have every intention of serving
Gaven past the next election."

Mr Gray, who was elected in 2006 and faces an election in 2009, said he regretted his
actions and had since sent letters of apology to both women.

He said he'd been deeply hurt by their words, but denied he was in the wrong job.

"What I needed was a tougher skin and I've certainly developed that after the past
few weeks," he said.

"I think I just had a bit to learn from the transition from a community volunteer worker
into politics.

"Although I am probably legally entitled to defamation action, whether I'm politically
entitled is a different matter.

"If I'm in this game I need to accept that."

AAP cj/pjo/tnf

KEYWORD: GRAY

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