Barry O'Farrell
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Barry O'Farrell (born 24 May 1959) is an Australian politician and Liberal Member for Ku-ring-gai in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
Following the resignation of John Brogden as NSW Liberal Party leader on 29 August 2005, he was considered the foremost contender for leadership. However, following Brogden's purported suicide attempt the day following, O'Farrell withdrew his candidacy stating he did not believe he could ensure party unity, leaving the road clear for Peter Debnam and remaining Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberals. After the Liberals were defeated in the March 2007 state election, O'Farrell announced his intention to challenge Debnam for party leadership.[1]
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[edit] Political history
O'Farrell achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Australian history, politics and Indigenous studies at the Australian National University in 1980. He became a member of the Liberal Party that same year. He has served variedly in the Party, and was an advisor to John Howard and Bruce Baird in the late 1980s and early 1990s respectively. O'Farrell was State Director of the NSW Liberal Party from 1992–1995.
O'Farrell was elected to the seat of Northcott (1995-99) and then Ku-ring-gai (since 1999) in the NSW Legislative Assembly, and presently serves as Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Leader of the House in the State Opposition. O'Farrell was elected Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in 1999 and served until 2002 when John Brogden was elected Leader. O'Farrell successfully contested the deputy's position following the 2003 State election.
[edit] Family
O'Farrell resides within his electorate at Roseville with his wife Rosemary O'Farrell and their two young children. His wife Rosemary is the daughter of former National Party member Bruce Cowan.
[edit] External links
[edit] Leadership speculation
- "The lean, mean fighting machine", The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 August 2005.
- "Turmoil at top blamed for failure at ballot box", The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 August 2005.
- "O'Farrell to challenge Debnam", ABC, 26 March 2007.
