MacEwen makes it official: He won't run for leader

Without ever having officially been in the race, PC MLA Sidney MacEwen has officially declared he will not seek the leadership of the P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Party at this time.

• One more try to convince MacEwen to run for PC leadership
• P.E.I. PC Party to condense leadership convention to one evening

"I appreciate the support of all those who have contacted and met with me over the past few months," MacEwen said in a statement Thursday, citing family as the reason for not pursuing the position of leader.

The MLA had been approached numerous times, both by the party's recruitment committee and by the PC district association for Morell-Mermaid asking him to run. The district association made one final pitch to MacEwen at a meeting Tuesday night.

'3 perfect reasons' not to enter race

"What makes it such a hard decision is themomentumsurrounding the PC Party," MacEwen's statement said. "There are100great reasons to run for the leader of the PC party of P.E.I. right now, but there are also three perfect reasons aged 10, 7 and 6 not to at this time."

MacEwen was refering to his three children.

The nomination period for the leadership began April 3. So far only one candidate, retired Summerside businessperson Alan Mulholland, has come forward.

• P.E.I. PC leadership race: Alan Mulholland first to declare

Howevertwo PC MLAs, Darlene Compton and Brad Trivers, have both said they are giving serious consideration to entering the contest.

The leadership convention will take place Oct. 20.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | As house pets in Kensington, do ducks fit the bill?
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Young voters group seeking more 'vision and direction' from P.E.I. government