Lyons easily takes victory

His election has transformed the electorate from one of the most marginal in the country to a safe Labor seat.

A retired health administrator, Mr Lyons, 57, already showed last night that his term as the new MHR for Bass would involve a different style from his predecessor, Jodie Campbell.

A softly-spoken Mr Lyons claimed he was "over the moon" when the news came through from the tally room that he was far enough ahead of Liberal candidate Steve Titmus to claim victory.

But there were none of the scenes of wild joy and celebration that accompanied Ms Campbell's victory night three years ago.

It was a quiet victory, at Launceston's Tailrace Centre, as Mr Lyons gave his wife, Sheryle, a hug and said that he might think about enjoying a celebratory glass of wine later after the media had left.

Mr Titmus had told his party faithful, at his Cameron Street campaign headquarters, half an hour before that it looked like he wouldn't "be going to Canberra on Monday."

A composed Mr Lyons, dressed neatly in a dark suit and tie, was all business as he outlined his plans with or without his party in government.

"Sixty-one per cent?" Mr Lyons said, interrupting the conversation as a victory roar finally erupted from his small crowd of supporters.

"It looks as though I'm elected."

He admitted that he had never anticipated such an easy entry to Parliament.

"Voters chose Labor for Bass because they didn't want to go back to Work Choices.

"They knew that the stimulus package was important to Tasmania and that the schools capital works program had taken education 25 years ahead."

Mr Lyons said his family had been one of his most valuable campaign tools.

Sheryle had made lunches for him to take around to all the polling booth volunteers yesterday and daughters Bianca, Michelle and Sarah were all home for the election.

An upbeat Mr Titmus told his party supporters that they shouldn't be ashamed of last night's result.

"While we are not able to celebrate that I'm on a plane to Canberra, it's been one hell of a ride," he said.

Bass Greens candidate Sancia Colgrave said earlier in the night that she had enjoyed the campaign and was pleased with the Greens' vote.

She said that in the last election, the Greens had won votes because of the dominance of the proposed Tamar Valley pulp mill as a major issue.

But even without that as a strong issue at this election, the party's vote had continued to rise.