Gerry Byrne has ruled himself out of the Liberal leadership picture.

Byrne had been rumoured as considering running in the race, but until this morning had declined comment on the matter.

Byrne doesn’t think he has “ever been more ready and more prepared” to take on the role of premier, but cites his role as fisheries minister and the turbulent times facing the industry due to US tariffs as his main reason for not taking it on.

Byrne states that he would have to step down as fisheries minister if he decided to run, and he “cannot do that in good conscience.” He says if Furey had decided to step down three months ago, or three months from now he probably would be in the leadership race, “but it’s not today.”

John Abbott is the only person to officially announce their leadership bid thus far. Some others, such as John Hogan and Bernard Davis are considering.