No plans to quit early, Williams says

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is dismissing a recent newspaper editorial suggesting that he should step down while he is still popular.

The editorial was published April 22 in The Western Star in Corner Brook, which is in Williams's district of Humber West. The editorial noted that Williams appeared tired and irritable during a recent exchange in the legislature.

"I feel stronger and better than I ever did before," said Williams, responding to reporters' questions on Monday.

"We've got a lot of issues in the province, but that's what the job is all about. I enjoy that. I have a great team around me. I just came from Clarenville last weekend where our executive committee met, and from an election readiness and preparedness [standpoint], we're off and running and ready to go."

The next election will be held in October 2011.

The premier's office told CBC News last month that The Western Star has "never been very supportive" of the province's Progressive Conservative government or Williams.

An Angus Reid poll published in mid-March reported that Williams has an 80 per cent approval rating in Newfoundland and Labrador.