‘I’m on holidays … go away’: First pictures of Palaszczuk on Amalfi Coast jaunt
Annastacia Palaszczuk has denied an internal leadership revolt, telling reporters to leave her alone during her trip to the Amalfi Coast with her doctor partner. SEE THE FOOTAGE
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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has denied an uprising against her within her own state government and has insisted: “I’m on holiday, I have health issues, there are no problems at home.”
The three times Labor Premier was spotted schmoozing with international surgeons and her doctor partner Reza Adib in the lobby of the four-star Royal Continental Hotel on the seafront in Naples ahead of the International conference for the Federation of Obesity.
Insisting she was “upset” that journalists had found her holidaying in Europe for two weeks on Tuesday night, she said: “I’m very upset, this is a private holiday.”
Asked if she wanted to discuss her trip to the Amalfi Coast when her own government members were plotting against her and why she had not informed Cameron Dick of her holiday, she said, “No, this is a private trip, I don’t want to say anything.
“I’ve had some health issues. I’m here on private holidays. Tell the photographers to go away, I’m upset you’re here.”
Her boyfriend of two years Dr Adib added, “She’s here with me, we’re on our holidays. This is embarrassing, I’m here with more than 1000 colleagues.”
When asked how she could justify her trip abroad when the Queensland state government was in the grip of housing, crime and housing problems, she added: “No there aren’t, (any issues) I’m here on holidays. I’ve had some health issues.
“No it is not (heath problems) why I’m in here, I’m on holidays.”
The two later summoned assistance from hotel security who ushered them out the side door of the hotel from where they left on foot to go for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
On Wednesday morning Ms Palaszczuk took to social media to ask for “privacy”.
“I ask that the media respects my privacy,” she wrote.
“Steven Miles is acting premier. I return on September 11.”
Seeking to escape the stresses of stardom, actors Jo-Lo, Robert De Niro and Madonna, among others, have recently holidayed on the Amalfi Coast surrounded by vineyards and lemon trees and known for its famous Mount Vesuvius, Mount Somma and Monte Solaro.
Ms Palaszczuk checked into the luxury hotel on Monday with her partner and plans to travel the south of Italy.
On Wednesday she is expected to attend the international conference when her partner will give a talk on obesity in the afternoon and again on Thursday.
The conference is attended by 6,500 delegates from 65 countries, most of whom are staying at the 400-room hotel.
The hotel, which is on the promenade in a quiet neighbourhood, offers a rooftop pool, with panoramic views across the Bay of Naples and Castel dell’Ovo.
Rooms are airconditioned and spacious with a modern design.
They all feature a private bathroom and the most expensive is the president’s suite.
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