LABOR Party hopefuls in the seat of Barton jockeyed for position yesterday as they awaited former Premier Morris Iemma's decision on possible plans for a political comeback.
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Rockdale mayor Shane O'Brien and former mayor Shaoquett Moselmane were the first to publicly express interest in replacing Robert McClelland, who announced Tuesday he would not stand again.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard added extra urgency with the surprise announcement a federal election would be held September 14.
The move signalled the start of what would effectively be a seven-month election campaign.
Mr McClelland, a former attorney-general, said his decision to quit Parliament after almost 17 years was not taken lightly and followed discussion over Christmas with his family and friends.
He was dumped from the ministry by Ms Gillard last year after publicly supporting Kevin Rudd in a leadership challenge. He said at the time he did not regard the setback as the end of his political or ministerial career and would definitely nominate for the next election.
His decision to quit could be a major blow to Labor's re-election chances because his personal popularity is considered to make up a large chunk of the party's 6.9 per cent margin in Barton.
However, Labor strategists believe Mr Iemma, who lives in Narwee, could minimise a swing away from Labor because of his own personal standing in the area.
Councillor Shane O'Brien, the assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, said he was "thinking seriously" about standing for preselection but had to consider his young family.
Mr Moselmane, a Labor upper house member, backed Mr Iemma but said he would consider running if the former premier was "not the candidate".
Brent Thomas, a former state ministerial staffer who unsuccessfully stood for Hughes at the last federal election, is tipped to run if Mr Iemma decides against a political return. Kirsten Andrews, a Brighton-Le-Sands resident and former staffer of Mr Iemma, is another possible contender.
ROLE AN ‘HONOUR’
IN HIS retirement statement, Robert McClelland described Barton as ‘‘a shining example of a harmonious and vibrant community’’.
He expressed ‘‘a deep sense of gratitude’’ for the support he received from constituents over the past 17 years and said it was a tremendous honour and privilege to represent them.
‘‘The electorate of Barton is a remarkable area with a long-established sense of community that has been supplemented by the drive and energy of people who have come from all corners of the globe to make our great country their home,’’ he said.
‘‘I commend the work of local community organisations and the representatives at all levels of government, with whom I have had the privilege of working to make our area a shining example of a harmonious and vibrant community.’’
Mr McClelland thanked his family and supporters and wished his successor well and said he looked forward ‘‘to continuing to make a contribution to the Australian community in the next stage of my professional career’’.
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