Vickers to say Friday if he’ll seek N.B. Liberal leadership

FREDERICTON — Former House of Commons sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers is expected to announce Friday whether he intends to seek the Liberal leadership in New Brunswick.

The retired ambassador to Ireland tweeted Wednesday afternoon that a news conference is set for noon in Newcastle on Friday.

Vickers was hailed as a hero for helping to end the 2014 attack on Parliament Hill.

Last month he said in a bilingual Facebook post that he would retire as Canada’s envoy to Ireland, effective March 2, and return to his home in Miramichi, N.B.

Vickers has been touted as a possible candidate for the Liberal leadership to replace former premier Brian Gallant.

In December, Vickers indicated an interest in the job but at the time said he was a “long ways from making a decision.”

He has been travelling the province to hear from residents before making his decision.

Lisa Harris, the Liberal member for Miramichi Bay-Neguac, said it’s a big day for the province to have Vickers considering a run for the leadership.

“He’s just a dynamic, smart and intelligent individual (who) has a lot to offer,” Harris said.

On Oct. 22, 2014, Vickers shot and helped take down a man armed with a .30-30 rifle. Michael Zihaf Bibeau had barged into Centre Block on Parliament Hill after killing honour guard reservist Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial.