The possible candidacy of ex-Federal Liberal MHR Nicolle Flint for the seat of MacKillop was front-page news in the capital city press over the weekend but has not drawn a response from Liberal-turned-Independent incumbent Nick McBride.

After retiring from Canberra politics 18 months ago, Ms Flint has recently taken up some Liberal Party administrative roles and signalled to Adelaide media that a tilt at MacKillop was on the cards.

The coverage of her political life appeared on pages 1 and 5 in the regular newspaper along with four full pages of a magazine supplement and nine photographs.

The newspaper also quotes Opposition Leader David Speirs as saying he would welcome Ms Flint back into the realms of elected members.

Although Ms Flint and Mr McBride hail from the same rural farming community at Kingston and she attended his 50th birthday party at Robe in 2019, the sitting MacKillop MP will not refer to her by name.

“I will not bring her name up,” Mr McBride said.

Mr McBride gave a similar response when The SE Voice quizzed him about the possible candidacy of newly-elevated State Liberal vice-president Lachie Haynes, of Naracoorte.

“I do not want to be distracted,” Mr McBride said.

“I accept that I will be that challenged by a Liberal Party candidate at the next State election in 2026.

“I welcome this as this is part of the political process.

“In the meantime, I will continue to advocate MacKillop and promote MacKillop.

“I will work with the Labor Party or any other party if I am lucky enough to win a third term in MacKillop in 2026.”