Joyce reluctant to give Drum kiss of death

Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has declined to back former Fremantle AFL coach Damian Drum for preselection for the federal seat of Murray in rural Victoria.

He said the last thing he wants to do is give preselectors his views on whether Mr Drum, a Victorian upper house MP of 14 years, should get the nod.

"I'm certain that would be the kiss of death," Mr Joyce told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.