FORMER Federal member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch is poised to make a shock return from retirement to contest the next state election.

Liberal sources have confirmed Mr Entsch, who quit at the last federal election, has had lengthy discussions with senior party officials about running as a candidate in the Labor-held Cairns or Barron River electorates.

Speaking to The Cairns Post from Switzerland, where he is attending a wedding, Mr Entsch confirmed he had been approached by senior Liberals.

"They have asked if I will run, but no final decision has been made," he said.

"But in the end it is not my decision; I would have to be pre-selected first.

Mr Entsch said he had only quit the Federal seat of Leichhardt so he could spend more time with his son.

But he said he was "way too young to retire" and now his son was living with him, that commitment had been fulfilled.

However, Mr Entsch said maintaining that bond meant choosing a seat which would not require an enormous amount of travel.

Queensland Liberal Party president and former federal indigenous affairs minister Mal Brough recently appointed Mr Entsch to the Queensland Liberals’
management committee. It is an appointment Mr Entsch said he would not have accepted if Mr Brough had not taken control of the party.

"Under the previous regime, I would not have considered it in a fit," he said.

Despite their close relationship, Mr Brough could not confirm Mr Entsch would run in the election but backed him as a strong potential candidate.

He said his former Federal Government
colleague’s distinctive strong voice and character would be heard at the highest levels of the party.

"With the problems besetting Far North Queensland, it is important for strong voices in the North to represent those communities," Mr Brough said.

"I would very much welcome someone with the experience of Warren making a further contribution to public life."

Wendy Richardson, who lost the race for the seat of Cairns to incumbent Desley Boyle at the last state election, said she planned to run again and encouraged Mr Entsch to put his hand up for Barron River, which is held by Labor MP Steve Wettenhall.

Mr Entsch’s retirement last November marked the end of 12 years as member for Leichhardt.

The next state election is due toward the end of next year.

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