A closer look at the NSW by-elections: Ryde

Former Member
Former Deputy-Premier and Minister for Transport, John Watkins.

Area
Extends between Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers. It includes most of the suburb of Ryde, along with Meadowbank, Denistone, West Ryde, North Ryde and most of Eastwood and Marsfield. Also includes Macquarie University and the Macquarie Park office and industrial estate.

History
Ryde was first created in 1894, abolished in 1904, re-created in 1913 and used continuously until abolished again 1968. Back on the electoral map in 1981, it disappeared again in 1991 and re-appeared in its current form at the 1999 election.

Been held by both parties thorught it's history. Has been held by Labor since 1999.

Votes Since 1981
Labor's highest primary vote was in 1987 - 57%. Lowest was 44.1% in 1999.
Liberals highest was 45.9 in 1988. Lowest was 28.6% in 2007.

2007 2PP - 80.1%-39.9%

Candidates
Labor - Nicole Campbell - Has lived in Ryde since 1995. Contested Bennelong in the 2001 and 2004 Federal Elections and Epping at the 2007 Federal Election.
Liberal - Victor Dominello - Born and raised in Ryde. Victor is a lawyer and previously served on Ryde Council.
Greens - Lindsay Peters - Contested Epping at the 2007 state Election and Bennelong at the 2007 Federal Election.
Democrats - Peter Goldfinch - Contested Eyde at the 2007 election and Bennelong at the 2007 Federal Election.
Independent - Victor Taffa.

Prediction
Liberal gain. 10.1% swing needed and with the latest polls showing a whopping 24% swing this seat could easily go from a safe Labor seat to a safe Liberal seat just like that.