Rann criticises his own party's tactics

South Australian Premier Mike Rann says his Labor Party used morally wrong tactics
in his successful election campaign.

But Mr Rann said the polling booth tactics had "absolutely zip" impact on him
delivering Labor a third consecutive term in power.
Liberal leader Isobel Redmond on Wednesday conceded defeat in the state election and
described some of Labor's campaign tactics as "dodgy".
Mr Rann did promise to outlaw tactics his party used at some polling booths in
marginal seats, where Labor foot soldiers impersonated Family First volunteers.
The Labor volunteers dressed in shirts and handed out how to vote cards with the
message Put Your Family First in a move aimed at ensuring preferences went to ALP
candidates.
Mr Rann said the tactic had been used by other parties at past elections but his new
government would legislate to ensure it was "never used by anyone".
"I was unaware of what happened until after it happened," Mr Rann said.
"My view is that it is wrong, and my view is that it should be fixed.
"Quite clearly the public do not accept this as acceptable practice in terms of fair
play, the government accepts that view.
"The practice used in this election could not and did not effect the outcome of the
election."
The Liberals witnessed a swing of about 7.5 per cent towards them, but failed to win
the seats required to topple Mr Rann.
Postal votes are still being counted but Labor is forecast to hold 25 seats to the
Liberals' 18, with four independents, in the 47-seat lower house.
Ms Redmond said despite the loss, she was satisfied with the Liberals' campaign.
"I can't think of really anything that I would do differently," she said.
"I ran the best race that I could and I am personally well satisfied with result,
albeit we didn't win.
"I think that I have done as good a job as I could."
Ms Redmond was appointed Liberal leader eight months ago with the party lagging
badly in polls.
"We have had an excellent campaign, we have got a result that a few months ago
no-one would have anticipated we ever could have possibly achieved," she said.
"And in that sense, I am very satisfied.
"As it turns out, we haven't won (but) I hope Labor has listened to the message
because I think people have sent a resounding message to the Labor Party."
Ms Redmond said all Liberal positions would be declared vacant at a party meeting,
likely next Tuesday, but she was determined to remain leader and contest the 2014
election.
"At this stage I fully expect that I will lead the party for the next four years,
into the election, and hopefully become the premier of this state in 2014," Ms
Redmond said.



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