oh no now they are telling the truth

O'Connor to run Indep
Updated: 19:47, Thursday October 18, 2007
Kevin Rudd's chances of becoming Prime Minister have suffered a blow, with dumped Labor MP Gavan O'Connor announcing he will run as an independent in a key seat.

Because Gavan O'Connor lost pre-selection to a senior union official, his defection bolsters government claims of increasing trade union influence on the Labor Party.

Mr O'Connor didn't mince words when asked why he was switching sides.

'Rampant branch-stacking, rorting of the democratic processes, illicit fundraising, money laundering, and grubby back-room political deals by Labor right-wing factional operatives.'

The man who beat Mr O'Connor for pre-selection is ACTU assistant secretary Richard Marles, a right-wing factional heavyweight.

With the government waging an advertising campaign alleging trade union domination of the ALP, the row proved a sore spot the government was happy to seize on.

'This is the latest example of how former trade union officials have muscled aside a long-serving Labor party member,' said Prime Minister John Howard.