ONE Nation candidate and Murray River Council councillor Tom Weyrich (pictured), came in just behind Labor candidate Alan Purtill with more than 7 per cent of the primary vote.
And immediately expressed doubt successful candidate Helen Dalton would have much impact in parliament.
“Effectively she’ll have little if any power — and either way she’ll have to side with the Coalition or Labor,” he said. “I’m well aware people are dissatisfied with the Nats but they were in a position to do something about (the water crisis).
“Well now Helen’s Shooters, Fishers and Farmers will have to convince the Coalition — but the Coalition will be cranky with them because they took a seat off them.
‘‘I’ve said all along, this is a political problem that requires a political solution. And we’ve just shot ourselves in the foot.
“But good luck to Helen, I hope she goes well.”
As Murray’s first One Nation candidate, Mr Weyrich said he was disappointed he didn’t receive a higher result.
“But I’ll lick my wounds and come back. It’s not the first time I’ve been beaten up,” he said.
“And if I decide not to do it again I’ve put down some solid groundwork for the next person.”
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