Wilkie claims Denison

Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie has returned from a meeting with Prime Minister
Julia Gillard in Melbourne claiming victory in the Hobart-based seat of Denison, for
the first time.
Mr Wilkie on Saturday said he was now prepared to call himself the federal member
for Denison after a close count in his contest with Labor candidate Jonathan
Jackson.
Cautious pundits had declared him the winner days ago.
"I had a phone conversation with my scrutineers - they say they have uncovered no
problems with the count," Mr Wilkie told reporters in Hobart.
"I now feel confident to claim victory."
Mr Wilkie will meet Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, and again with Ms Gillard, in
Canberra on Monday.