Boonie’s mo bristled over the very idea that he could be a Liberal candidate for the Tasmanian federal seat of Franklin if maverick Labor MP Harry Quick quits and forces a by-election.

David Boon, the apolitical, beer drinking, genial Tasmanian cricketing great told Crikey that the story which suggested this calumny — which appeared in The Australian yesterday — was rubbish.

“It’s absolute garbage,” he told us. “Garbage. It’s not true and I don’t know where it came from.”

It seems The Oz knew more than he did: “Although reluctant to throw his hat in the ring yesterday, Boon is among a list of high-profile figures … being considered by the party as it prepares to contest a seat it considers winnable.”

Further: “Senior party sources confirmed local cricket legend David Boon had been ‘floated’ as a candidate, although Boon yesterday told The Australian he had yet to be approached.”

Boon is not amused, telling Crikey he is rather more than reluctant:

“Someone rang me from the paper and asked if I was interested in standing. I said I had no comment to make because it was rubbish. Nobody from any political party has asked me to join the party or sit in any electorate.”

Meanwhile, Harry Quick has announced on ABC Local Radio that he will announce his intentions on ABC TV’s Stateline in Hobart on Friday night. Quick, who is not recontesting his seat, was furious when Labor endorsed unionist Kevin Harkins to replace him. He has threatened to stand as an independent, but if he does go early, it will boost the Liberals’ chances of snatching the seat — depending on the calibre of candidate.