Former state Labor star David O’Byrne is unlikely to attempt a comeback at the next state election.
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“It’s not in my thinking at the moment,” the ex-senior minister said on Monday, although he did not fully rule out a comeback attempt.
It’s not in my thinking at the moment.
- David O'Byrne
“I’ve always said never say never, but it’s not my intention this stage.”
He said he was enjoying his current role with the Beacon Foundation, which helps young people with the transition from education to employment.
Mr O’Byrne returned to his union roots after losing his seat at the 2014 election and became national secretary of United Voice.
He joined the Beacon Foundation in Hobart in mid-2015 as chief operating officer, citing a need to spend more time with his young family than he could manage as a national union secretary.
“I’ve always said I want to be in a role where I make a difference in my community, and I’m very happy at Beacon doing that,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“We’re doing great stuff across the country.
“Youth unemployment’s probably one of the key issues in the country …
“I didn’t want to just be a politician, just be a unionist, just work in a job.
“I wanted to be in an area where I could make a difference.”
The likely absence of Mr O’Byrne would sharpen Labor’s hopes that former premier Lara Giddings will run again.
There has been a strong school of thought she will not contest the election, and that is what at least some senior Labor figures have expected.
However, she refused in recent days to say what she was planning.
She is understood to have been staying active in the electorate, leading some political insiders to increasingly suspect she will go around again.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said Ms Giddings’ political future was a matter for her.
“Of course we’d love her to be part of the Labor team that contests the next election,” Mr Green said.
“She has enormous experience, is a skilled parliamentary performer and a great local member.”
Ms Giddings was the sole successful Labor candidate for the five seats in the Southern electorate of Franklin in 2014.
She strongly outpolled Mr O’Byrne.
The Liberals have three MHAs in Franklin, including Premier Will Hodgman, and the Greens one.
Of the five Franklin MHAs elected in 2014, Liberal Paul Harriss and Green Nick McKim have left state parliament since the election.
Both were replaced by new MPs from their parties.
Another ex-Labor minister, Julian Amos, said he was not considering seeking preselection.
Dr Amos missed out in Denison in 2014.
