• CTF responds to departure of Paul Martin from federal Cabinet
  
• Taxpayers question wisdom of three new ministers in as many crucial portfolios
  
• Does Manley have the clout to keep PM and spendthrift colleagues at bay

OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has responded to the dramatic developments today in Ottawa with the departure of Paul Martin from the federal Cabinet.

Thoughts on Paul -
"While we did not always agree with Mr. Martin, we were appreciative of his sincere efforts to dialogue with the CTF and his open-door approach to many of our concerns," said CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "While no one is irreplaceable, his departure could have a significant and detrimental effect on fiscal policy."

Both Chretien and Martin are to blame -
"What is more troubling at this point is the fact that we still don't know whether Mr. Martin voluntarily resigned or if the Prime Minister fired him. It's now painfully clear that the 1990 Liberal party leadership contest is still in full gear," added Robinson. "Both the Prime Minister and former Minister Martin are equally to blame for letting their egos and an internal party matter infect and recklessly destabilize the Government of Canada."

Three new ministers -
"Now we have three new Ministers in the key portfolios of Finance, Defence and Public Works. Given the fact that the economic recovery that is still tepid at best, our troops are engaged in several global hot spots and questions continue to swirl about the Crown's contracting practices, the Prime Minister's inability to run an honest and ethical government has needlessly placed billions of taxpayer dollars at risk," noted Robinson.

Finance Minister John Manley - can he hold back the tide
"We look forward to meeting with Finance Minister Manley as soon as possible to articulate our calls for spending control, legislated debt reduction and further tax relief measures to foster economic growth," concluded Robinson. "We wish him well but are fearful that the next budget could result in double-digit spending increases. Even with Paul Martin's clout and reputation as a 'fiscal hawk' at the Cabinet table, we still saw a 9.4% spending increase in the last budget. Many of Mr. Manley's colleagues are probably writing up their 'new' shopping lists this evening."