Brisbane political minds are beginning to look to the next Council elections which, although some time away, are already unearthing some interesting speculation on the Labor side. Who will take on the pocket dynamo, the energetic, effusive can-do Campbell Newman?

Early names being bandied about for the best local government job in the country include former state hacks such as Jim Elder, and failed federal politician Con Sciacca. Elder certainly feels he has a lot left to give (although his marriage to the much younger new wife might test this theory), despite making a decent buck doing the George Street shuffle on behalf of a range of business interests.

And while forced political retirement has obliged Con the Don to reaquaint himself with the subtleties of the law as he re-immerses himself in his practice, the trademark cigar has wafted over many a stretched lunch meeting in the Eagle Street precinct. While his business connections, legal know-how and obvious political skills would be an interesting package, the less charitable observers note that most of the encouragement is coming from Sciacca’s staff, who no doubt preferred it when Con was a distant and benevolent leader.