As an active, apolitical Kiama community member, I have had quite a lot to do with Gareth Ward over the years.

For most of the 14 years, Gareth Ward has been an outstanding MP.

However, he now needs to do the following:

- Resign before he is expelled by Parliament.

- Exercise his rights to appeal if he chooses.

- If his conviction were overturned on appeal, he could stand again.

To retain any dignity, and for the sake of all the Kiama electorate, he must resign before next Tuesday.

Gordon Bell

Kiama