MONTREAL — Even at a feel-good, partisan love-fest, there are only so many kind words Jean Chretien will spare for his longtime rival and successor.

Chretien arrived at the Liberal leadership convention Friday and was asked if he had anything to say about Paul Martin's performance as prime minister.

"He didn't win,'' Chretien told a crowd of reporters. "I would have preferred it if he had.''

Chretien's blunt assessment came one day after a farewell speech in which Martin paid tribute to his former boss whom he once worked to push out of office.

In an effort to help repair the damage from years of infighting and secure his own place in the party's history books, Martin lauded Chretien's record in office.

Chretien, who was followed throughout the convention by cameras, microphones, and applauding delegates, did offer some praise for Martin.

The two even shook hands and chatted briefly when they crossed paths on the convention floor.

"Mr. Martin was a good minister for me,'' Chretien said. "I had a great team and he was one of them.

"Now the question is not the past -- not the future. For me my contribution was three majority governments and we had fun doing it.''

That's when he was asked about Martin's record as prime minister and noted the mixed election results.

Martin inherited a majority government in 2003 and in fact did hold on to a minority in 2004, before losing last January's election to Stephen Harper's Conservatives.

Chretien, who won three straight majorities in 1993, 1997, and 2000, says he misses the people in the party but has been happy to move on after more than 40 years in politics.

On Saturday he will give what he called his first partisan speech in three years when he addresses the convention.

The speech will focus on party unity and on the alleged shortcomings of the Harper government.

Chretien treaded carefully when asked about the Conservative government's motion recognizing the Quebecois as a nation within a united Canada.

Chretien noted that Tories themselves don't seem to agree what the motion means.

One minister quit over the move, and another initially suggested that only old-stock francophone Quebecers were part of the Quebecois nation-- and then recanted.

"They were a bit confused,'' Chretien said.

"Maybe one day Mr. Harper will tell us what it means and I'll comment then. . . I'm for clarity. You know me, I love clarity.''

Chretien was away in China on a business trip this week and missed Martin's farewell speech to the party. He says his advisers briefed him on developments in the `nation' debate.

As for the Liberal leadership, Chretien refused to name his preferred candidate.

Some of Chretien's closest aides are supporting Bob Rae, but the former prime minister also has longstanding ties and a well-known affection for Stephane Dion.

Chretien was asked who he was pulling for.

"A good leader,'' he replied.

He was asked: What characterizes a good leader?

"One who wins elections.''