Gerry Byrne in no hurry to resign as federal MP

Gerry Byrne is defending his decision to stay on as a federal Member of Parliament while at the same time actively touting his intentions to make the switch to provincial politics.

The longtime MP for Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte announced to great fanfare Wednesday night that he plans to seek the Liberal nomination in the district of Humber West for a provincial general election that's expected to take place sometime in 2015.

There is no indication, however, when the party plans to call for nominations in the district, and Byrne said he won't resign as MP until he secures the nomination, which could be months away.

That has prompted some observers to question whether it's appropriate for Byrne to continue collecting an MP's salary and expense benefits, while clearly positioning himself for a seat in the provincial legislature.

Byrne makes no apologies, and says resigning would lead to an unnecessary and costly byelection in his riding, with a federal general election also on the horizon in 2015.

"It's not really all that uncommon for someone to hold a position, to announce their intentions, and then seek office at a due time down the road," Byrne told CBC News. 

"It's a little different than holding a cabinet spot where you're privy to confidential information and decisions and then plan to work in the private sector. This is moving from one public office, eventually, hopefully, into another. 

"So this is not actually unique in the Canadian political system and I don't think it's very unique in the Newfoundland and Labrador system either."

When asked if he'll be using his status and as an MP to advance his electability in the lead-up to the nomination, Byrne stated he will "do what I've been doing my entire career, which is working very hard for the people of Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte, and Humber West is a big part of Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte."

Experience and skills

Some 100 people gathered at a hall in Corner Brook for the announcement, including some of the biggest names on the provincial Liberal scene. The event served notice that Byrne is the party's preferred candidate.

"I'm running because, first and foremost, I think I have some experience and skills to offer in a future Liberal provincial government," Byrne said.

As a member of the House of Assembly, Byrne feels he can re-establish productive relations with the federal government in Ottawa, something he said hasn't existed in a decade.

"I also know that I have the capacity to make change, because I know that I'll be working with a leader who understands the things that need to be done and how people should be treated," he added.

I'm running because, first and foremost, I think I have some experience and skills to offer in a future Liberal provincial government.- Gerry Byrne

Speculation about Byrne's political intentions has been circulating for some time.

Byrne, who has represented the federal riding of Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte for 18 years, turns 48 on Saturday.

Byrne said he is making the plunge into provincial politics with the full support of Liberal Leader Dwight Ball. 

"He was just a young man when he got involved with federal politics. Obviously, you learn a lot from that. And he's got a great community network in Humber West and around the province," Ball said.

The district is currently represented by Progressive Conservative MHA Vaughn Granter, minister responsible for environment and conservation.