Jean Charest says hes finished with politics

Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest says he wants to put an end to any speculation that he might return topolitical lifeon eithera provincial or federal level.

There is noone who sees me returning to political life, especially me and above all my wife, Charest toldLe Devoir newspaper. Honestly, I dont miss politics at all.

Charest was responding to speculation that he might consider anotherrun atpolitics after an interview on CBC Daybreak earlier in August, when he said it was unlikely but not impossible that he would seek elected office again.

Well, you never say never, but I have no regrets. I feel I did the best I could in the time I was there. It was a great experience. I had 28 years, Charest told Daybreaks Mike Finnerty at the time. Again, you never say never because you dont know what life will put in front of you, but Im very happy doing what Im doing. Im with McCarthy Ttrault [law firm] and I love the work Im doing."

• Jean Charest: 'Never say never' on return to politics

Following the interview with Daybreak, Charestsaid he received an outpouring of both good and badreactions to the idea of hisreturn to politics.

"This is the answer I gave because I found it to be the most honest,CharesttoldLeDevoir.

Since being ousted at the ballot box nearly two years ago, the former Liberal premier has been working in international law and has been outspoken on the need for a free trade deal between Canada and the European Union.

"I feel lucky because I made a good choice. I travel a lot... maybe too much, said Charest.

After losing his seat in his home riding of Sherbrookein the 2012 provincial elections, Charest announced he would leave political life.

Charest was the leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1993 to 1998, and was the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party from 1998 to 2012.