WA: Cold beer for new leader, time with daughter for Court

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2001
WA: Cold beer for new leader, time with daughter for Court

By Layla Tucak and Liza Kappelle

PERTH, Feb 11 AAP - A roaring cheer - and a cold beer - awaited West Australian premier
elect Geoff Gallop last night at a Labor party function at a football clubhouse in his
Perth electorate of Victoria Park.

About 200 euphoric supporters, including federal Labor leader Kim Beazley clapped,
whistled and cheered as they moved aside to let the new premier walk the red carpet to
the podium with wife Bev and two sons.

With a grin on his face to rival that of his Queensland counterpart Peter Beattie,
Dr Gallop delivered his victory speech surrounded by family on stage and supporters on
the floor.

"This victory is yours," he said.

After a brief speech and a kiss for his wife, Dr Gallop climbed off the stage and made
his way to the clubhouse bar where he happily accepted a cold can of beer.

It's really good," he said after a big sip for the media cameras before being engulfed
by his supporters.

Meanwhile, in the cramped and noisy tally room at ABC TV, Liberal supporters and staffers
wore increasingly sombre looks.

When caretaker premier Richard Court and wife Jo finally swept into the studio to make
the coalition's concession speech, the crowd briefly hushed before breaking into spontaneous
applause.

In a short but emotional speech, Mr Court congratulated Dr Gallop on his campaign.

The premier appeared near tears as he told his audience he was proud to have served
the state, before leaving as abruptly as he arrived.

Outside the studio, a more composed Mr Court said he had bowed to the will of the people
and would spend the rest of the evening with his family.

"I'm going to go home and have a sleep and see our little girl for the first time in
a couple of months."

AAP RTV sd

KEYWORD: POLL WA GALLOP

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