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NSW Deputy Premier has told Sky News knowing he would be a backbencher in federal parliament "excites" him if he does decide to run for the vacant seat of Eden-Monaro and claimed there are a "whole heap of reasons why I can do it".

Labor MP Mike Kelly on Thursday announced his retirement from federal parliament ending days of speculation, but the attention now turns to who will run for the seat of Eden-Monaro and whether the Liberal and National Parties will compete against each other.

Mr Barilaro is one of the favourites to run for the seat, which encompasses the area he represents in state parliament.

He told Sky News host Peta Credlin if he does choose to run, it wouldn't be "about another political career," but rather "actually doing a difference" citing issues like water and energy security as priorities.

Asked about whether he has aspirations for the National Party leadership at a federal level, Mr Barilaro said "every MP has aspirations," and if the prime minister wanted to "use me in any other way, of course I bring a skill set".

The deputy premier also said the Liberal Party not running a candidate in the upcoming by-election "has to be the case," because the Labor Party will run a high-profile local candidate.

"We can't take it for granted".

Image: News Corp Australia