Sidelined Senator Ian Macdonald says the north is left without representation

The former Howard government minister, and Father of the Senate, was relegated to fourth position on the LNP Senate ticket following Friday's preselection.

The position is considered unwinnable.

In a statement, Senator Macdonald said it was a difficult weekend for him.

"Made more so by the fact that I feel bad to have let down my beloved north by leaving it without Senate representation for the first time in over four decades," he said.

"Other parties abandoned the north years ago."

However, Senator Macdonald said he was still on the LNP Senate ticket, at the "difficult number four position".

"I will be campaigning hard and with 'under the line' voting now possible in the Senate, anything can happen," he said.

Senator Macdonald said he would serve out his remaining year in the Senate diligently and enthusiastically.

"There is much work in the Townsville and Cairns regions to be advanced to ensure planned development is cemented," he said.

Senator Macdonald, who has an office in Townsville, planned to take a few days off "after a very hectic couple of months" but pledged to be available to the media later in the week.

Brisbane mining executive Paul Scarr received first place following the preselection, Super Butcher Group managing director Susan McDonald was in second place, while finance executive Gerard Rennick received third.

Another sitting senator, Barry O'Sullivan, missed out on preselection, while former LNP state MP Scott Emerson was also unsuccessful.