Baird the man for NSW: editorials

MAJOR METROPOLITAN NEWSPAPERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON WHO SHOULD LEAD NSW

DAILY TELEGRAPH

"If (opposition leader) Luke Foley is to truly rebuild Labor, there must come a time when he ceases following the union line.

"Mike Baird's government not only deserves another term in office, NSW and the nation need the Coalition to be returned for the sake of growth, employment, education, road and rail funding, health and sport. Only the Coalition has a plan to fund all of these areas. For Labor's plan, just ask the unions."

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

"The Coalition has made mistakes but the public transport system in NSW is improving.

"Yes, roads are clogged but funds from the poles and wires plan should help.

"Anti-alcohol violence laws are working in reducing assaults in the Sydney city precinct.

"The economy is outpacing that of other states. And the Liberal Premier remains the best hope of leveraging his popularity and mandate to force concessions from the Abbott government on cuts to health and education.

"The Herald recommends that voters support Mr Baird and his Coalition team to build on their progress."

THE AUSTRALIAN

"The NSW economy was a basket case last decade, burdened by over-regulation and slow growth. Labor haplessly watched as capital and people fled interstate; it built nothing of note in the latter part of its 16-year term.

"Sydney squandered its post-Olympic opportunity. The Coalition, with Mr Baird as treasurer, fundamentally changed the fiscal equation, recycled funds for infrastructure, and made NSW strong and relevant again.

"It is outperforming the mining states, attracting migrants; consumption and the construction sector are strong. The NSW Premier brings vigour, consistency and prudent financial management to the role. At a time of national drift, Mr Baird is a vital beacon of leadership and courage. NSW voters, for their own benefit and others, should emphatically return the Coalition."