in order to achieve favourable political outcomes, as revealed by Chesterfield-Evans in Hansard: 2004 censure motion due to Obeid's undue influence in the elections of Matrite Council 2004 claims that Obeid had exerted undue influence on family members 2006 attempts to dump Obeid from the 2007 state election in favour of a Muslim candidate 2007 influence in the composition of the Iemma ministry and Iemma's demise 2009 influence in the composition of the Rees ministry 2009 representations to NSW Minister for Roads, Michael Daley, on behalf of Mid-Western Regional Council for funding to seal a 1.5 km stretch of roadway near Obeid's family property near Mudgee. Obeid failed to disclose his business interest 2009 allegations of linkages between Obeid, his son, Moses, former Labor powerbroker and current lobbyist, Graham Richardson, businessman, Ron Medich and the murder of Michael McGurk 2009–2010 allegations that Obeid, together with right-wing Terrigals sub-factional colleague Joe Tripodi, influenced the election and make-up of the Kristina Keneally ministry A large number of the allegations against Obeid have been generated by Fairfax Media's, Sydney Morning Herald. In 2003, following Obeid's decision to not seek re-election to the fourth Carr ministry, he was quoted as saying: Announcing his decision to retire from the Legislative Council on 10 May 2011, Obeid issued a statement that his granddaughter, Gisele, was diagnosed with cancer tumours in her kidneys in November 2010 and that, despite an operation and extensive chemotherapy, recent scans suggest some of the tumours remain. He said: "My wife and I need to spend all our time supporting our son Moses and his wife Nikki through this difficult time." Following his announcement to retire, John Hatzistergos MLC also announced his intention to retire from the Legislative Council. Walt Secord, the former chief of staff to the former Premier, Kristina Keneally, and Adam Searle were nominated by Labor to fill the casual vacancies. Business interests and corruption findings Initially working as a taxi driver and then property developer, the source of Obeid's initial wealth and business is not clear. However, it is known that Obeid, together with his two brothers, inherited their father's estate that comprised land and houses in Lebanon. In 1973, Obeid together with business partners, purchased an interest in the recently established Arabic press, El-Telegraph Newspaper, with Obeid later buying out his business partners. Obeid has since sold his stake and is, "no longer the publisher of that