Craig Thomson arrogance abound

MP accused of making charity worker cry

AAP August 15, 2011, 6:44 am

 

Besieged federal Labor MP Craig Thomson stands accused of reducing a charity worker to tears at a rally against poker machine reform on the NSW Central Coast.

The MP for the marginal seat of Dobell is already under pressure for authorising the use of a union credit card to pay for prostitutes.

Now, The Daily Telegraph reports he launched a tirade against Salvation Army worker Louise Duff at a fiery poker machine rally at the Mingara Recreation Club, in Tumbi Umbi, on Saturday night.

Mr Thomson reportedly threatened to name and shame the woman in parliament but the 47-year-old MP has denied most of the claims.

It is also claimed he called the woman a "disgrace" and threatened to "finish your career".

Mr Thomson has vehemently denied this but did not deny there was a dispute.

He is alleged to have charged at Ms Duff at the end of the two-hour rally, after being heckled by angry club members.

Flanked by fellow Labor MP Jill Hall, Mr Thomson is said to have stood over the woman and threatened to "publicly name" her in parliament.