Martin team pushing Catterall aside: Copps

Sheila Copps says Paul Martin's team is trying to drive her out of politics, and that Ottawa West MP Marlene Catterall is also a target.

The former cabinet minister made the comments Tuesday on CBC Radio, adding that half the Liberal women's caucus is threatened.

Copps said Transport Minister Tony Valeri is trying to clear her out of Hamilton East because she continued her bid for the Liberal leadership, long after it was clear Martin would win.

A similar scenario is about to happen to Marlene Catterall, said Copps, who served as heritage minister and deputy prime minister under Jean Chrtien.

"Even in the Ottawa area Marlene Catterallwho remained neutral in the race, but who is a very open personshe's under siege," said Copps.

"There are women across the country whose ridings are at risk. And Mr. Martin says it's a local matter."

• AUDIO: Interview with Sheila Copps, by Ottawa Morning host Lucy van Oldenbarneveld, Dec. 23, 2003 (Runs 10:46)

Catteral wasn't available for comment Tuesday, but riding association president Howard Mann says Copps is wrong.

"No, there's no challenge to Marlene now in the riding. There's no organized challenge by the Martin team. And there's no unorganized challenge by anyone else," said Mann.

But Copps isn't backing down.

An official in her office said Copps knows that challenges to non-Martin MPs are underway across the country, and more will come out in the new year.