Labour is looking for a new candidate for Botany for this year's election after Brenden Sheehan - who shot to prominence as spokesman for the Muliaga family - withdrew from standing because of a family illness.
Mr Sheehan yesterday said the decision to step down as Labour'scandidate in
the new electorate was tough.
"Extremely tough - from a purely selfish point of view, it's one that I certainly didn't want to make," he told the Herald.
"But I'm a family person first, and when my wife asked me to stand down it was a no-brainer really."
Mr Sheehan is the nephew of Folole Muliaga, who died last year after power was cut to her home because of an unpaid bill.
Mrs Muliaga had an oxygen machine in her home.
The unionist took on the role of speaking to the media on behalf of the Muliaga family after Mrs Muliaga's death.
He was later chosen to represent Labour in the Botany seat.
But the health of an elderly member of Mr Sheehan's wife's family is deteriorating, and he said full-time care was needed.
"My wife's been trying to do it on her own but it's just too much. She's asked me to basically stand down to assist."
He said his wife was his "greatest supporter".
He knew she would not have asked him to stand down unless she really needed him.
It is understood three people have already contacted senior Labour Party figures to express interest in standing in the seat against National's Pansy Wong.
Mr Sheehan said he would not be putting himself up for Labour's party list either, because he was not able to campaign.
But he would do what he could to help with the election campaign.
He hoped to stand for Labour in the future when circumstances allowedit.
Labour intends to select the new candidate by the end of June, with nominations open now until June 20.
