Paul Martin (Cinco De Mayo)

Paul Edgar Philippe Martin (born August 28, 1938) also known as Paul Martin, Jr., was a Canadian Liberal politician who served as President of the Republic of Canada from December 1, 1998 until his single term in office expired on November 30, 2005. Martin was best known as leading the conservative-leaning wing of the Liberal Party, challenging Jean Chrétien in the 1991 leadership race and mulling another challenge for the leadership in 1996 after the successful Quebec independence referendum. Martin served as Minister of Finance in Chrétien's first Cabinet and helped bring about structural economic reforms with the help of coalition partner Reform Party. After Chrétien led the Liberals to a surprising majority government in 1997 and cemented his popularity both in Canada and within his caucus, Martin agreed not to challenge Chrétien again and instead contested the Presidency in 1998, defeating Stockwell Day of Reform, Grace McCarthy of Social Credit, Tom Long of the Progressive Conservatives and Ed Broadbent of the Social Democratic Party.

Martin travelled profusely as President of Canada and oversaw the 2000 and 2003 general elections at the advice of his rival, Jean Chrétien. While he was considered a potential successor to Chrétien once his Presidency ended, he was irreperably damaged in late 2003 during the Liberal Party leadership coup, when Chrétien was ousted by self-described "Martinists" led by Deputy Prime Minister David M. Collenette and Minister of Transportation Carolyn Bennett. Martin, who opposed the coup, was still blamed for it by the Chrétienist wing of the party and was damaged in the public eye for allegedly helping organize the overthrow as President. He retired after his term expired on November 30, 2005. Martin was rehabilitated when Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed him Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations and later presented him with the Order of Canada, the highest-available civilian honor.