WAUCHOPE'S Reg Pierce has withdrawn from the council elections due in September to concentrate on preselection for The Nationals' race in Lyne.
Mr Pierce said he 'agonised over the decision for three days' before making a late entry into the federal political scene on Friday.
"Since I announced I was running for mayor and council, I have received plenty of support," Mr Pierce said.
"But I have decided to withdraw from the mayoral race to concentrate on the preselection for The Nationals' race to win Lyne.
"The most important thing to me is, with many people offering me their support, to tell them why I have made this choice.
"I really don't think you can have two bob each way: it is one or the other.
"This was a very hard decision to make. Given the support I have had, the fantastic support, I agonised over the decision for three days.
"I hope those people who have already shown me their support, will show me similar support in my question to achieve Nats' preselection for Lyne.
"In all sincerity we need more transparency in the political sphere ... and I know I stand for that."
Mr Pierce said his decision came down to looking at the current political scene and realising his effectiveness would be best served at the national level.
"I can do more (at the national level) for the area in a lot of regards. It may not be so much on the day to day basis, but working with the Nats' state representatives (Andrew Stoner and Lesley Williams) and a likely conservative-style council, I think we can achieve better outcomes for the area," he said.
Nationals' preselection for Lyne closed last Friday with six candidates vying for the chance to represent the party in the race for the federal seat.
The six are, Dr David Gillespie, former councillor and business owner Jamie Harrison, Army officer Captain Brett Sprague, Port Macquarie Panthers general manager Russell Cooper, IT systems engineer Aaron Mendham and Mr Pierce.
Rank and file members will make their choice on Sunday July 1 where Mr Pierce says he is confident of a good showing.
