Reconsidering PC leadership: Dunderdale

Kathy Dunderdale, who was sworn in as Newfoundland and Labrador's premier earlier this month, acknowledged Monday she's considering seeking the job on a permanent basis.

Although Dunderdale had insisted she had no intentions to enter the forthcoming Progressive Conservative leadership race when she was sworn, she said Monday she is reviewing her options, in part because of calls for her to run.

"I opened the door a crack on it last week only because I've been under so much pressure to do so from within the caucus and from across the province generally," Dunderdale said at Government House, where she watched the swearing-in ceremony for David Brazil, who won the  Conception Bay East-Bell Island byelection on Dec. 2.

"It's been quite overwhelming and it's very nice. But, I got to tell you, I still haven't had a lot of time to think about it but nothing has changed at this point in time."

There has been something of a vacuum in the unofficial race to replace Danny Williams, who retired from office on Dec. 3. CBC News reported Friday that Health Minister Jerome Kennedy is not likely to enter the race.  A party leadership convention is expected in the spring.

Finance Minister Tom Marshall and Education Minister Darin King have indicated they are mulling over whether to enter the race. Separate online campaigns have formed to lobby Senator Elizabeth Marshall, Tory organizer Tim Powers and backbencher Steve Kent.

Dunderdale said her decision will depend on support from the caucus and cabinet, as well as the agenda of anyone else who decides to run.