From little seeds ...
WHEN member for the Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg starting championing the state merger of the Liberal and National parties, some people called him mad and others said it would never happen.
But yesterday as LNP leader Campbell Newman was sworn in as Premier of Queensland, Mr Springborg said it was satisfying to see the party he created finally in power.
"Sometimes seeds that you plant take a long time to grow," he said.
Asked whether it was a bitter sweet victory because he was not at the helm of the party he fought so hard to get off the ground, Mr Springborg said it was a definitive no.
"I am happy, the reason I formed the party was because I wanted to make sure Queensland had a strong alternative," he said.
"Leaders come and go and that's why at the last election I was comfortable making the decision not to contest leadership."
But a senior role was not out of the question for Mr Springborg who was in Brisbane yesterday and today for party room meetings.
There was much speculation as to whether or not he would be called up as a minister, but as usual Mr Springborg would not play at guessing games.
"No I haven't (spoken to him), Campbell Newman is very busy... being sworn in," he said.
"If Campbell chooses me, that's a privilege but if he doesn't, I respect that.
"You respect the government and being a representative of your electorate and if you are offered above that, it's a privilege."
He said a senior role wouldn't stop him from representing the Southern Downs.
"It won't change my commitment and love for the Southern Down," he said.
Mr Springborg said he would continue to push the big issues he felt the electorate faced.
Those included resources for Warwick State High School when the system changed to include year 7, water security for the Granite Belt and the Eight Mile.
Even Mr Springborg didn't see the LNP onslaught coming on Saturday and said it felt quite "surreal" to see one ALP seat after another fall into the hands of his party.
"Those things very rarely ever happen and may never be repeated," he said.
Still no word on whether not Mr Springborg has a senior role.
