Joe Byrne not interested in P.E.I. leadership

Joe Byrne, a former federal candidate for the NDP on P.E.I. who has been touted as a potential leader of the provincial party, says he's not interested in the job.

Byrne ran in the riding of Charlottetown during the last federal election. He said he has been approached about running for the provincial leadership, but he prefers to continue focusing on federal politics.

Byrne is hoping other candidates will put their names forward.

"I have been quite happy with building the party federally to offer residents of Charlottetown and P.E.I. a chance to be part of the official opposition," Byrne said.

"Right at this point I'm focusing on the federal questions. There has certainly been some people that have approached me, but there have been some new members come into the party that have very interesting and varied backgrounds."                        

The current provincial leader, James Rodd, announced last week he will not be reoffering.

The provincial NDP leadership convention is expected in May or June.