New Brunswick Liberal leader, Camille Theriault, who was briefly premier of the province, has decided to quit politics. His decision comes nearly two years after voters rejected his party in favour of the Conservatives.

For months, Theriault, 46, has talked about his desire to spend more time with family. On Tuesday, he made it official, first in a meeting with his caucus, then at a news conference in Fredericton.

For our party to renew itself, it was not possible to do it without renewing the leadership of our party, he said, as his eyes filled with tears. That's why I'm leaving. I fundamentally think it's time to go.

Premier Bernard Lord reacted to the news by saying that Theriault's resignation makes no difference to him, but he wishes him and his family well.

The two politicians have never gotten along: just a few weeks ago, Theriault called Lord, the boy premier.

Speculation on Theriault's future began almost immediately after the Liberals 12-year reign ended on June 7, 1999. The speculation intensified last month after the Liberals lost two byelections to the Tories, which many party members blamed on Theriault's leadership.

Theriault was first elected in a sweep by the McKenna Liberals back in 1987. He served in several key posts including economic development minister. But the low-key Theriault didn't have McKenna's personal appeal and once he became Liberal leader and premier, he suffered from constant comparisons to his more popular predecessor.

``I'm not Frank McKenna,'' he once protested.

His worst moment came during the disastrous election campaign of 1999. Theriault was so sure New Brunswickers were committed to a long-term Liberal regime that he cancelled promised tax cuts shortly before the election.

The move ruined his chances. When election day came, the Liberals were left with only 10 seats in the legislature, compared to 44 for the Tories and one New Democrat. The Grits are now down to eight seats.

No successor to Theriault has been named.