A neurosurgeon with a private practice in Goulburn Street, Liverpool, he nominated for Liberal Party preselection last weekend.

``I would like to make a difference,'' Associate Professor Sheridan, of Picnic Point, said.

``I've lived and worked in this community for many years and I believe that we need a change of government here to help the area move ahead.

``Menai is one of the most marginal seats in the state and it is a seat that the Liberal Party must win to win the election.

``I think we have a very good chance of winning it.

``I have a lot of contact with the community through my work and understand the problems that Liverpool is facing.''

He still faces preselection.

Sitting MP Alison Megarrity (Labor) said she would re-contest the seat she won in 1999 and holds with a 2.7per cent voting margin.

``It's always been a seat the Liberal Party has been eager to win,'' she said. ``I just hope that whichever candidate they choose will have some specific policy ideas rather than the policy-free approach of the rest of the party.'' Anne Tarasov