Former MP rules out return to Parliament

Paul Quinn. Photo / File / Ross Setford

Former National MP Paul Quinn has ruled out a return to Parliament to replace Jackie Blue.

Ms Blue resigned last week to become the new Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner.

Mr Quinn, who was an MP from 2008-2011, is the highest-ranked person on the National list outside Parliament. He said this afternoon he had enjoyed his time as MP but did not want to return.

"I'm just busy, I'm a busy man and I've moved on. You might be the world champion at tiddlywinks but eventually you move on.

"I had three years, I didn't get back in - I stood at the last election with the view of continuing to be able to contribute, that didn't happen.

"I used to work for myself before I went into Parliament; I've gone back working for myself.

Mr Quinn said he was working on a geothermal development in the central North Island but declined to say which one.

He's also working on a forestry project in the same area.

He has relocated to Auckland with his wife and would continue his involvement in the National Party.

Police last year investigated allegations that Mr Quinn was involved in a fracas at a Wellington bank over a parking space.

He initially denied he was involved but later issued a statement confirming he had a part in the "disagreement". No charges were laid.

Prime Minister John Key said today National had not told Mr Quinn they didn't want him back.

"He would have been more than welcome."

Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh Paul Foster-Bell is next on the National list.

Mr Foster-Bell stood in Wellington Central in the last election, losing to Labour deputy leader Grant Robertson.

Mr Key said he would also be more than happy to have Mr Foster-Bell as a National MP.