A NUMBER of Catholic politicians in Queensland were counting their blessings or praying for a clear result after the federal election on October 9.
Still waiting for a result early last week were the two Catholics jostling to win the new Brisbane seat of Bonner.
Ross Vasta, who was the Liberal candidate, was neck and neck with veteran Labor MP, Con Sciacca.
On October 12, Mr Vasta was ahead by 156 votes.
Mr Sciacca, who had switched from his previous seat of Bowman after a redistribution, had not given up hope despite trailing in the count.
In north Queensland, Bob Katter attended Mass in Innisfail on October 10 with about 20 of his family after retaining Kennedy as an independent.
Another Catholic, Paul Neville, retained Hinkler for the Nationals with an increased majority.
He was at Mass in Holy Rosary Church, Bundaberg when the polls closed at 6pm. Mr Neville said he had prayed for success and to stay calm.
Fellow National, Barnaby Joyce of St George, was quietly confident of winning the sixth and final Senate seat in Queensland.
Catholic independents, Terry Rushton and Eamon Coll, who campaigned on an anti-abortion platform and social justice issues, were pleased with their result even though they were not elected. Mr Rushton picked up about 3500 votes and was the third highest ranked independent Senate candidate in Queensland.
