POPULAR independent MP Richard Torbay had reason to celebrate on Saturday night.

Mr Torbay won a fourth term as the Member for Northern Tablelands with a 70 per cent majority after preferences.

And the election also fell on his 50th birthday.

The MP visited much of the electorate on Saturday and cast his vote while in Inverell.

A dramatic swing towards the Coalition across NSW cost many MPs their seats yet Mr Torbay comfortably held onto Northern Tablelands, despite the swing chipping 10 per cent off his massive majority.

Independent MP’s lost the seats of Tamworth, Dubbo and Port Macquarie to the Nationals and Mr Torbay said the perceived conduct of the federal independents, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, had been a major factor in the election result in regional areas.

Despite a 10.4 per cent swing to the Nationals candidate Charlie McCowen it was nowhere near enough to beat Mr Torbay.

On Saturday night Mr Torbay celebrated at a birthday party with family and friends.

Looking ahead to the new parliamentary term he said he had already developed a strong working relationship with the Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell and his Coalition team who were elected to government on Saturday.

“It sent out a strong message that people want a change and want to see a much more positive and constructive approach to the management of the state economy, particularly its services and infrastructure,” Mr Torbay said.

“I will be meeting with them as soon as possible to ensure our region gets its fair share and will be reminding the new government that there are still a number of recommendations from the Rural and Regional Taskforce on the table for implementation.”

Mr Torbay thanked the people of the Northern Tablelands for their tremendous support which returned him to the new parliament.

“I spent the day around the electorate and was overwhelmed by the good will and good wishes I received everywhere,” he said.

“It is that response and that strong support which motivates me to continue with the same enthusiasm to represent our electorate for a fourth term.”

He thanked the 500 volunteers who worked at polling booths and behind the scenes on his behalf.

“They are the loyal troopers and I am so grateful to them and to my family and staff for this support,” he said.

“One great lesson you learn from politics is that it is all about the people and that you can only be effective when they are behind you and backing your representation.

“That was evident yesterday and I am looking forward to continuing to work with the communities of the Northern Tablelands on their issues and priorities.”

© 2011 Inverell Times

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