Lady Flo a Palmer fan
MINING magnate Clive Palmer has received a glowing endorsement from the matriarch of conservative politics in Queensland, Lady Florence Bjelke-Petersen.
Lady Flo, the wife of former Queensland premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, said Mr Palmer had been involved with conservative politics for more than 40 years in Queensland and should "remain a strong member of the LNP".
Mr Palmer has been engaged in a war of words with the Newman government in Queensland, prompting some from within the LNP to call for his resignation from the party.
But Lady Flo said Mr Palmer, who was close to her late husband, was important to the party and the entire state of Queensland.
"The LNP and Queensland benefit from Clive Palmer making a real contribution to the current economic debate," the 92-year-old said in a statement issued by the public relations firm employed by Mr Palmer.
"Democracy is all about people having different views and being able to express them. In the end, it is for the people to decide."
Lady Flo also spoke of Mr Palmer's significant economic contribution to the state.
She suggested people living in regional Queensland needed people like Mr Palmer more than ever.
"Queensland is a decentralised state and all Queenslanders, no matter where they live, are entitled to the same service and representation," she said.
"At this difficult period, it is important for people from western and regional Queensland not to be forgotten," she said.
"It is also important that new investment and new jobs are created so that families can prosper. I understand Clive Palmer's companies provide over $1,400,000,000 each year to the Queensland economy. They employ over 2000 people."
Mr Palmer said on Thursday he had no intention of relinquishing his party membership and would continue to offer his opinions.
The outspoken businessman had at one time entertained the idea of seeking LNP pre-selection to take on Treasurer Wayne Swan in the federal seat of Lilley.
