UN special envoy to Cyprus, Alexander Downer is rumoured to be seeking liberal leadership with a re-entry into politics early next year. Claims that South Australian Opposition Leader, Isobel Redmond, was in private talks with Mr Downer offering to walk away form her position to make way for Mr Downer has caused Party divisions.
The former Howard Foreign Minister is finishing his role in Cyprus next year and will be returning to Australia, but has not mentioned what he will be doing on his return. When asked the question on ABC TV, Mr Downer said that he had no plans to re-enter politics. However, he did not deny that discussions with Ms Redmond had taken place.
“Obviously I have often been in conversation about Liberal leaderships – in South Australia, federally and in other states as well,” he said.
Mr Downer could parachute into State Parliament next year via a by-election in Schubert, where Liberal Ivan Venning is due to retire. The seat was previously held by Mr Downer’s grandfather. However, The Australian reports a federal MP close to Mr Downer dismissed the prospect of his return to politics, saying he was unlikely to step back into public life given the personal and financial cost involved.
Ms Redmond said this week she would stay on as party leader. “I am the leader and I expect and intend to continue as leader,” she said. Ms Redmond’s position has been blurry ever since she told the party she was contemplating a move to the senate. A senior Liberal MP told the Australian that her movements are indicating Ms Redmond is reconsidering her role.
“When she said she was thinking about going to the Senate she signalled to the party room she didn’t want the job. If she’s had discussions with [Downer] about parachuting in, it would suggest for the second time she didn’t want it. That’s the message it’s sending,” he said.
Despite the warming sentiment to the return of Mr Downer to politics, there are more barriers to overcome. Mr Downer told The Advertiser this week that his wife Nicky was “100 per cent implacably opposed” to him returning to politics. His wife backed up the comments, saying “I think (100 per cent opposed) is a very accurate figure”.
