FORMER federal MP for Cook, Bruce Baird, says the state's 44th premier will be "a man of action".
His son Mike was elected unopposed following the shock resignation of Barry O'Farrell, who misled the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over the receipt of a gift of a $3000 bottle of wine.
"Mike is very much a 'can-do' kind of guy," Bruce Baird said.
"He is very much focused on what needs to be done in the state and how we are going to get the money.
"But he also has a good degree of compassion for the underprivileged and people with a disability."
Mr Baird conceded his son's "action" approach would "not always be easy".
"But if you want to get things done you have to put head down and move," he said.
Bruce Baird was the MP for Cook for nine years until he retired in 2007.
From 1984-95 he was a state MP and, after being Transport Minister and Minister for the Olympics, went within a whisker of himself becoming premier.
John Fahey edged him out after Nick Greiner resigned following an adverse ICAC finding.
Mr Baird said he did not really dwell on his own failure to secure the state's top job, and was simply happy for his son.
"You always hope your kids are going to do better than you did," he said. "I am glad things have come together for him but it is a sad way to happen because Barry [O'Farrell] was my chief of staff and he married my personal assistant [Rosemary Cowan]."
Mr Baird said his son Mike knew the shire well, although he had never lived there.
SUPPORTIVE
Mike Baird said his family had ‘‘signed up’’ for the job.
‘‘If you want to do this, you have to put your heart and soul into it,’’ he said.
Mr Baird said he had consulted his family and was amazed at their willingness for him to seek the position.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman said Mr Baird was ‘‘highly principled, passionate and hard-working’’.
‘‘I am confident Mike will be a strong and energetic leader, focused on the government’s core agenda of jobs creation, more frontline services and delivery of infrastructure.’’
What changes would you like to see Mike Baird make as Premier?
