Republican candidates nominate

PALMWOODS resident Gerry Fowler, and former resident Ross Garrad are among a number of Sunshine Coast people gearing up for the Constitutional Convention election to be held in 1998.

Ross Garrad, who grew up on a farm in Palmwoods but now lives in Brisbane, said there was no sign of a monarchist candidate on the Sunshine Coast.

"There's not even sign of a non-decided," he said.

One of the largest pro-republican groups, The Australian Republican Movement, has three candidates on the Sunshine Coast. Ray Barraclough of Maleny, Xandra Flack of Bli Bli and Gerry Fowler of Palmwoods will all be campaigning with this group.

At age 18, Gerry Fowler is one of the youngest Australians to be taking part in the elections.

Information on all Queensland candidates can be found on the Internet at www.suncoast.com.au/republic/convention.