A life in politics means a life in the spotlight.
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Daryl Maguire has spent decades in the spotlight and has worn many hats.
But his most important to the people of Wagga was as their local member, the man who was meant to go into bat for them.
He should be the city’s biggest cheerleader but instead, his actions have dragged Wagga’s name through the mud.
An ICAC investigation, in which Mr Maguire gave evidence, showed that the member for Wagga was involved in a phone conversation where he sought a dividend from a potential property deal.
The evidence was made public last week and in the days since, local leaders and residents have called for Mr Maguire to step down as our local member.
He has taken a backseat in parliament and apologised to his family, friends and colleagues for any embarrassment he might have caused them.
But where is the apology to his constituents, the people who voted him in?
The people who put their faith and confidence in him to represent them fairly and to the best of his ability.
Don’t get us wrong, Mr Maguire has advocated strongly for this region in the past.
Since he took up the position in 1999, he has genuinely had moments where he has fought for the city, its people and its infrastructure.
But this recent incident does a lot to negate that and it begs the question – is it worth Mr Maguire holding his seat until the next election?
Or should a by-election be held?
Wagga needs to be able to place confidence in its local member and this ability has been shot in light of the recent revelations.
Mr Maguire has removed himself from the party room but some argue that’s not enough.
The city’s leaders and its residents no longer feel sure that their local member has their best interests at heart so should Mr Maguire hold that seat for much longer?
A by-election has the potential to find another Joe Schipp or Wal Fife, people who genuinely had their community’s best interests at heart.
There have even been calls that this is the shake-up the electorate needs to become an independent seat.
Whatever the result, it seems that change is afoot.
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