Siobhan Coady makes play for provincial seat

Former Liberal MP Siobhan Coady is hoping to represent a St. John's seat in the house of assembly after the next provincial election, which sets up a race with a sitting cabinet minister. 

Coady announced in a statement she is seeking the Liberal nomination of St. John's West. 

That seat is currently held by Service NL Minister Dan Crummell. 

Coady announced two weeks ago that she would not be seeking the Liberal nomination in the federal riding of St. John's South-Mount Pearl. She held that riding for three years, until New Democrat Ryan Cleary defeated her in the 2011 election. 

Coady criticized the direction of the governing Progressive Conservatives. 

"We need to focus on education, innovation and excellence in infrastructure, affordable housing, and health. We need good economic managers especially in light of the recent Auditor General’s report," she said. 

With the PC leadership race kicking into gear, speculation is mounting about an early election. The leader that the PCs elect will have 12 months to call an election after being sworn in. 

Meanwhile, George Joyce, who ran for the Liberals in St. John's West in 2011, has decided to seek the party's nomination in the district again. Joyce placed third, behind Crummell and the NDP's Christopher Pickard. 

Both Coady and Joyce issued statements quoting Liberal Leader Dwight Ball as congratulating their decision to enter the race. 

"I am very pleased to have someone of Siobhan's reputation and character seek the Liberal nomination. Her record as a former Member of Parliament and her dedication to the Liberal Party Renewal Tour is evidence of her commitment," Ball said in a statement issued by Coady.

In Joyce's statement, Ball said: "I am very pleased to have George seek the Liberal nomination. His dedication to public service and extensive experience in labour relations speaks to the calibre of the candidates showing interest in the Liberal party."