diff --git a/src/python/m5/__init__.py b/src/python/m5/__init__.py
index 9f9459ae8..b5af7a80f 100644
--- a/src/python/m5/__init__.py
+++ b/src/python/m5/__init__.py
@@ -31,8 +31,13 @@
 # scripts while allowing new SCons code to operate properly.
 
 try:
-    import internal
+    # Try to import something that's generated by swig
+    import internal.core
+
+    # Try to grab something from it in case demandimport is being used
+    internal.core.__package__
 except ImportError:
+    # The import failed
     internal = None
 
 if internal: