April 8, 2004. Copyright, 2004, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Profile of Canadian prime minster Paul Martin
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, April 8, Graphic News:  For Prime Minister Paul Martin the all-too familiar political saga had a happy ending: the loyal finance minister finally claimed leadership of his party, and country, after a 13-year wait in the wings. He just has to hold out a little longer before securing his mandate at elections.

On December 12, 2003, Martin completed a 13-year climb to the top of CanadaŐs Liberal Party, when he took over from Jean Chretien. For the former businessman it was the achievement not just of his dream but also that of his father who lost two bids to become prime minister.

Born in 1938 in Ontario, Martin studied philosophy and law before joining the House of Commons in 1988. In 1990 he challenged Chretien for leadership of the Liberals -- a battle that was to sour the menŐs collaboration for more than a decade. So angered was Chretien by MartinŐs apparent scheming to oust him in 2002 that he dropped him from the cabinet. In turn, Martin claimed that Chretien, 70, had reneged on a deal to step aside earlier.

Perhaps aware that, at 65, his appointment lacks the vote-catching appeal of a generational change, Martin set about putting his own stamp on the government immediately, and his first act was to replace most of the cabinet. His warm tone towards the United States also signals a break with Chretien who alienated President Bush by refusing to back him on Iraq. Martin is to meet Bush on April 30 to revive the friendship on which precious trade ties depend.

The new prime minister has pledged to overhaul government structures to give more power to MPs, and to improve conditions for poor aboriginal communities -- his swearing-in ceremony included an aboriginal purification ritual. Martin, who is married with three children, has also said he wants to smooth relations between the Ottawa government and the 10 provinces.

Socially progressive policies are to be funded through fiscal conservatism, and here MartinŐs aptitude is not in doubt: the former businessman made a fortune heading Canada Steamship Lines, as finance minister he reined in his partyŐs burgeoning budget deficit, and in 2001 he was named a member of the Ňdream cabinetÓ of the World Economic Forum.

Having had ample time to ponder his policies, Martin now wants to implement them. But his campaigning days are not behind him yet. Since December he has been criss-crossing Canada to drum up support for the Liberals. It is believed that he had wanted to hold elections as soon as possible, but the Liberals have been battered by allegations that government funds to promote national unity were diverted to companies that backed the ruling party.

For the time being, the party is hovering at around 38% in the polls -- 10 percent in front of their conservative rivals but not far enough ahead to secure a majority government. An election does not have to be held until November 2005 and Martin might be wise, well, just to wait.
/ENDS