Provincial MHA Gerry Byrne is puzzled by the decision to make an appointment with Don Bradshaw as the candidate for Long Range Mountains.

Byrne told VOCM News that he knows of a dozen Canadians who were ready to put their hat in the ring to try to win the federal seat.

On Friday, the Liberal party appointed the long-time journalist as their candidate in the upcoming election.

Byrne says the appointment did not fall within the rules.

“I think the better outcome here would have been to allow democracy to prevail and have an open nomination contest. There were literally almost a dozen individuals who were seeking that seat – good Liberals, great Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” he said.