Jean Chrétien removed Paul Martin from Cabinet or drove him out, depending on the version of events. Paul Martin had nothing to do with previous accuses of corruption in the Liberal Party. Then why was he removed? Well because Jean Chrétien, despite Paul Martin's popularity and essential role as Finance Minister, doesn't really like him.
It is obvious that Jean Chrétien's choice for his successor is John Manley who was made Deputy Prime Minister after Herb Gray left parliament and now, is replacing Paul Martin as Finance Minister. However, in terms of popularity and eloquence, if Paul Martin were Trudeau, then Manley would surely be more of a John Turner. No offence Mr. Turner.
Many in the party believe this is a minor detail, yet many attribute Canada's relatively strong economy to Paul Martin rather than Liberal policy, although, this is all arguable.
It has never been a secret that Chrétien doesn't see Martin as his successor. This is the most public that that opinion has been. Chrétien had previously let possible succession Candidates plan and organise unofficial campaigns to seek the future leadership of the Liberal Party, yet a few weeks ago, Johnny said no, and then, Martin was out of a job.
Paul Martin has been a longtime possibility for Liberal leader. In 1990, when John Turner resigned as Liberal Party leader, Chrétien won the leadership vote against Paul Martin. Paul Martin has been trying to replace Chrétien ever since.
With the recent problems in the Liberal party and now the internal dispute between Chrétien loyalists and Martin loyalists may lead the party to self distruct, even though Canadians are still behind the Liberal Party, mostly due to poor opposition and uninspiring leaders of the opposition.
With Chrétien's threats of the possibility of an called election, bringing fear of a Harper-led government, save or kill the Liberal Party as we know it? Are Chrétien's days numbered or will the Grits succeed to remain unified as they have in the past in front of hapless Alliance, Reform and Bloc Québec Official Oppositions.
Chrétien has made history with his three consecutive mandates, but he is hardly the "Little Guy from Shawinigan" he once was, despite being extremely popular. The problem is, Paul Martin is also extremely popular. It had once crossed my mind that to have a non Liberal government it wouldn't need a strong opposition to the Liberals but rather a self-destruction of the Liberals. Would this be such an occasion?
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