KEY POINTS:
National Party leader John Key appears set to leave Brian Connell out in the cold for some time, despite the suspended Rakaia MP saying it's time the pair had a talk.
Mr Connell was suspended from the party's caucus late last year after confronting the then leader, Don Brash, about his alleged affair.
Details of the confrontation were leaked from the caucus, which resulted in Dr Brash taking time off to deal with marital problems.
National's caucus heads to Gisborne next week for a three-day retreat and Mr Connell said yesterday: "I haven't been invited."
Asked if a way back had been outlined to him, he said: "No, I've had no correspondence or communication with anyone, which is disappointing."
Asked if he'd tried to contact Mr Key, he said: "I've tried through various ways having a conversation with him but haven't had any success yet.
"It doesn't seem to make any sense to me or anyone else.
"For the life of me I don't see why John would want to start his administration with someone outside caucus when clearly there's been no dispute between him and I."
A spokesman for Mr Key said: "He's basically said all he wants to say on this. His [Mr Connell's] status remains as it was before."
A National source said it was unlikely Mr Key would welcome back Mr Connell any time soon.
"I don't think this leader's going to brook any ill-discipline."
