NSW: Watkins denies a deal to become premier has been done

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2007
NSW: Watkins denies a deal to become premier has been done

SYDNEY, Dec 7 AAP - Deputy NSW Premier John Watkins denies any deal has been done that
would see him take over from Morris Iemma as the state's premier.

Mr Watkins, who is also the state's transport and finance minister, insists he has
no ambitions for the top job, nor does he think he will ever be premier.

"I'm his deputy, I'm his friend, Morris Iemma has made it crystal clear that he's staying
as premier of NSW and I support him," he told reporters.

Mr Iemma was this week again forced to reiterate he would stay on as premier until
the next election amid renewed speculation a deal had been done with Mr Watkins.

The premier insisted he would contest the 2011 election and, if successful at that
poll, would like to also contest in 2015.

Asked if he had ambitions to be premier, Mr Watkins said: "No, I have ambitions to
be the best possible minister and the best possible deputy to Morris Iemma."

He also said he did not believe he would ever become NSW premier.

"It's not going to happen, I'm the deputy premier of NSW, and I'm happy with that,"

Mr Watkins said.

Asked what would happen if Mr Iemma got hit by a bus, Mr Watkins replied: "That wouldn't
happen with me as minister for transport."

AAP nr/was/lh/de

KEYWORD: IEMMA WATKINS

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