Latest Newspoll results show the Liberal Party leading Labor 58 to 42.

WA pollies trade barbs on social media

Published: 07:29:30 AM, Fri 08 March 2013 UTC

Social media has become a major battleground for the West Australian election, with Labor describing Premier Colin Barnett's bus trip as a perfect metaphor for his reign - "all ego, spin and stolen ideas".

Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers has been tweeting up a storm, taking a swipe at the Liberal leader on Friday about his bus tour of marginal suburban seats, taking him to working class suburbs such as Midland on election eve.

"If Barnett thinks Mirrabooka and Scarborough are the suburbs, it's no wonder Ellenbrook busway and Yanchep rail are now ghost trains," Mr Travers wrote.

"Will they take the Barnett bus on a tour of the Ellenbrook busway? Not in this decade!"

He also crowed about Labor's transport achievements seen aboard Opposition Leader Mark McGowan's bus.

"McGowan bus passes train at Whitford turn back. Line built by WA Labor and train purchase by WA Labor."

Mr Travers also admitted he was one of those who said Mr Barnett was "tired", sparking speculation this week that the Premier would not serve a full second term if re-elected.

"I said he was looking tired in answer to a question. Tired as in ideas and not enjoying job."

While polls and bookies say the Liberal party is set for a landslide win on Saturday, Labor has won the social media war if sheer volume is anything to go by.

Mr Travers is not the only politician to tweet a few barbs for opponents, with Liberal federal director Brian Loughnane writing: "Labor's a mess. Don't let them mess with WA. Secure WA's future. Vote Liberals WA".

Another Liberals WA tweet read: "Exciting news! Julia Gillard is finally coming to WA! Three weeks after the election", referring to her absence from Mr McGowan's side during the campaign.

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