Posted on 10/30/2003 7:20:16 AM PST by xp38
OTTAWA (CP) - Prime Minister Jean Chretien appears to be setting the stage for an early exit, signalling for the first time that he may give up his determined plan to stay until February.
Chretien will sit down with Paul Martin, his successor, after the Liberal leadership convention next month to plot the timetable for his retirement, said spokesman Jim Munson. "Put it this way, he'll do what's good for the party, the country and the government," Munson said. "The prime minister has always said he's leaving in February - unless he changes his mind."
Chretien has long maintained that he will not retire until February, but on Wednesday he emphasized that he will step down "between now and February."
Chretien made the comment at a cocktail reception on Parliament Hill, fuelling speculation that he plans to move up his departure.
Opposition MPs have complained that Chretien, 69, is a lame duck and the delay in transferring power to Martin is hurting democracy.
They have repeatedly expressed frustration that, under House of Commons rules, they are not allowed to question Martin about his future policies because he is still a mere backbench MP.
With Martin leading the way, Liberal MPs cast aside their leadership differences Tuesday and voted down an opposition motion urging Chretien to retire early.
Martin joined his Liberal colleagues in rejecting the Bloc Quebecois motion and led a standing ovation for his long-time rival.
The Liberals, backed by the NDP, easily won the vote, 169-97. The Conservatives and the Canadian Alliance supported the Bloc.
The anti-Chretien resolution never had much chance of passing and was introduced more as a mischief motion designed to sow dissent within Liberal ranks, especially among backbench supporters of Martin who have criticized Chretien for his 18-month long goodbye.
Chretien, who is expected to adjourn business in the Commons as early as Nov. 7, again implored his fractious caucus on Wednesday to stick together.
He cited a controversy involving five cabinet ministers who received hospitality from the Irving family of New Brunswick, and urged MPs to forge a united front on the matter.
Chretien reminded his MPs that increased sniping from opposition parties and relentless media coverage of ethical slips won't hurt him - he's leaving.
But the collateral damage could build to dangerous levels before a federal election widely expected next spring, he warned.
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