Gumleaf
April 15th, 2014, 08:47 PM
ninemsn staff
10:15am April 16, 2014
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2014/04/16/10/15/nsw-premier-to-resign
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has announced he will resign the Liberal Party leadership after appearing at a corruption inquiry.
Mr O'Farrell revealed during a surprise press conference on Wednesday that a note thanking Liberal fundraiser Nick Di Girolamo for a $3000 bottle of wine, which he had claimed he never received, would be presented to the corruption watchdog.
The outgoing premier called it a "massive memory fail" but said he never wilfully misled the ICAC.
"I accept the consequences and in an orderly way a new Liberal leader will be elected," he said.
A stony-faced Mr O'Farrell stressed in the ICAC witness box yesterday that neither he nor his wife Rosemary had any memory of receiving the gift in April 2011.
It was never declared, as required, on his register of pecuniary interests.
The handwritten note signed by Barry O'Farrell which brought down the NSW Premier. (supplied)
The handwritten note signed by Barry O'Farrell which brought down the NSW Premier. (supplied)
"I still can't recall the receipt of a gift of a bottle of 1959 Grange," Mr O'Farrell told reporters this morning.
"I can't explain what happened to that bottle of wine.
"But I do accept there is a thank you note signed by me, and as someone who believes in accountability, in responsibility, I accept the consequences of my action."
Mr O'Farrell said he would likely remain in the job until next week, when he will hold a meeting with the parliamentary Liberal party and the process of electing a new leader will begin.
Mr O'Farrell became NSW premier after the Liberals romped to victory in March 2011
10:15am April 16, 2014
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2014/04/16/10/15/nsw-premier-to-resign
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has announced he will resign the Liberal Party leadership after appearing at a corruption inquiry.
Mr O'Farrell revealed during a surprise press conference on Wednesday that a note thanking Liberal fundraiser Nick Di Girolamo for a $3000 bottle of wine, which he had claimed he never received, would be presented to the corruption watchdog.
The outgoing premier called it a "massive memory fail" but said he never wilfully misled the ICAC.
"I accept the consequences and in an orderly way a new Liberal leader will be elected," he said.
A stony-faced Mr O'Farrell stressed in the ICAC witness box yesterday that neither he nor his wife Rosemary had any memory of receiving the gift in April 2011.
It was never declared, as required, on his register of pecuniary interests.
The handwritten note signed by Barry O'Farrell which brought down the NSW Premier. (supplied)
The handwritten note signed by Barry O'Farrell which brought down the NSW Premier. (supplied)
"I still can't recall the receipt of a gift of a bottle of 1959 Grange," Mr O'Farrell told reporters this morning.
"I can't explain what happened to that bottle of wine.
"But I do accept there is a thank you note signed by me, and as someone who believes in accountability, in responsibility, I accept the consequences of my action."
Mr O'Farrell said he would likely remain in the job until next week, when he will hold a meeting with the parliamentary Liberal party and the process of electing a new leader will begin.
Mr O'Farrell became NSW premier after the Liberals romped to victory in March 2011