MP Gerry Byrne says he'll decide on provincial switch soon

Gerry Byrne, who has represented western Newfoundland in the House of Commons for the last 18 years, says he will make a decision on a potential switch to provincial politics in good time.

"I expect to be able to elaborate further on my own future path in the not too distant future," Byrne said in a statement.

Liberal insiders fully expect Byrne to follow through on his expressed interest in running in the Corner Brook-area district of Humber West in the next provincial election next year.

Byrne said the issue is still front and centre on his mind, and that he has been fielding queries about his future.

"I fully understand and appreciate where this question would come from. I have made no secret of the fact that I have been actively considering placing my name on the ballot … and have been very open about that."

Byrne, who turns 48 next week, has represented Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte since 1996.

Speculation expands to possible successor

In his statement, he said he has yet to make a final decision, which he said he "will not take lightly and it is one that will only be taken with direct input and support of the people who matter most."

Byrne made his remarks after businessman Stelman Flynn won the Liberal nomination in Humber East.

Humber West is currently held by Environment Minister Vaughan Granter.

Many Liberals consider Byrne's move to provincial politics such a done deal that speculation has expanded to consider potential candidates for the next federal election.

On Point host David Cochrane said party insiders cite former provincial cabinet ministers Chuck Furey and Kevin Aylward and Corner Brook lawyer Mark Watton as potential candidates for the Liberal nomination.