DAB rolls out stars in key battleground
Heavyweights from the Democratic Party and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong flooded into key areas in Kwun Tong.
In the Shun Tin West constituency, three of the DAB 'Big Four' - chairman Tsang Yok-sing, vice-chairman Gary Cheng Kai-nam and unionist Chan Yuen-han - showed up to campaign for incumbent Kwok Bit-chun.
Mr Kwok, a second-tier leader, was competing against Fred Li Wah-ming, a Democrat legislator.
Mr Cheng got caught up in an argument with Mr Li's canvassing agents over the use of loud-hailers outside the polling station.
Although the quarrel cooled quickly, Mr Li conceded he had not expected such a fierce contest.
'I never thought I was capable of attracting so many political stars.
'Even if I lose, I have succeeded in saving my colleagues in other constituencies from the threat of these political stars,' said Mr Li.
Mr Kwok denied he was in trouble and said it had been an easy day for him. 'I did not ask for help nor did I expect it,' he said.
Another constituency that drew party leaders was Ping Shek, where Democrat incumbent Lam Shum-shing was up against DAB legislator Chan Kam-lam.
With the appearance of party chairman Martin Lee Chu-ming and party whip Szeto Wah in the constituency, Mr Lam was confident of winning another term.
But Mr Chan did not think the so-called 'star effect' would work at district level.
The rivalry between the Democrats and the DAB was also sharp in Taikoo Shing East constituency.
Campaign team members got into a swearing match over the distribution of leaflets, with one threatening to 'mobilise our brothers'.
The dispute was resolved after 10 minutes.
