Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna says he'd like to run in the next federal election, but there's suitable riding open to him.

McKenna says he'll only seek the Liberal nomination in a New Brunswick-riding -- and it must be close to his home in Cap-Pele, near Moncton.

McKenna says it would be impossible to do his job properly if he was parachuted into a seat far from home.

There are three ridings that fit McKenna's criteria. But two of them already held by Liberals who have said they want to run again.

A third is held by a MP John Herron, who quit the Conservative Party and wants to run as a Liberal.

"I have no interest in getting into a fighting match with them over ridings," Mr. McKenna said.

McKenna entered provincial politics in 1982. He was elected premier in 1987, and served until 1997. He would likely attract votes in Atlantic Canada. If elected, McKenna would be Prime Minister Paul Martin's point man in the region.

"It's very clear to me that I can't serve that cause and also serve adequately the needs of constituents that would be hours and hours away from where I live every day," he told reporters.

McKenna says he may have to sit out of the next election, despite offers to run in other federal ridings.