Williams departure shakes N.L. politics

The pending retirement of Danny Williams as Newfoundland and Labrador's premier is giving new life to opposition parties thathave been smothered by his popularity.

Williams's decision Thursdayto step down as both premier and Progressive Conservative party leader shocked supporters, but emboldened parties that between them hold just five seats in the legislature.

"I think it opens up the field for the Liberal party big time," said Liberal MHA Kelvin Parsons.

"You're going to have lots of candidates coming forward now," said Parsons, the party's Opposition house leader, adding that many high-profile potential candidates have stayed out of politics because of Williams's overwhelming popularity.

Tracking polls have regularly pegged Williams's popularity with voters at more than 80 per cent, with the governing Tories far ahead of both the Liberals and the NDP.

Under fixed-date election legislation, voters next go to the polls in October.

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael said Williams will be taking his substantial coattails with him.

"People have been elected because of Mr. Williams in many, many cases, and I think that does ease up things for us," she told CBC News.

The Progressive Conservatives have held office since 2003, breaking 14 years of Liberal rule.

Kathy Dunderdale will replace Williams as premier on Dec. 3.

Williams said Thursday he would expectthe PCs to prepare for a leadership convention in the winter or spring.