Barnaby Joyce says all the pain and anguish he and his family have been through was worth it, if he can continue to make a positive impact within the electorate.
The embattled New England MP has been plagued by controversy for almost half a year, since his affair with former staff and current partner Vikki Campion was revealed.
When Mr Joyce was asked by reporters on Wednesday if the turmoil had been worth it, he replied: “Yep, for exactly this”.
“I’m now fighting for people who are dealing with drought,” he said.
“I’m going to make sure I continue driving as hard as I can for this electorate because that’s what I enjoy the most, and I wish the other things would disappear.”
Mr Joyce said the thought of stepping away of politics had never crossed his mind.
“I’m more of a fighter than a runner,” he said.
Mr Joyce is on sick leave until June 15, however has appeared a number of events around the region.
“I couldn’t see much point sitting on my arse in the house, so I kept working,” he said.