The latest rumours and indications do show that the Liberal party is gearing-up for a late-spring election. I believe that the writ will be dropped on May 9th as Paul Martin returns for a week of extensive coverage after his visit with US President George W Bush this Wednesday (update: actually this Friday). Canadians have placed Canadian-American relations high on the concerns list and whatever Mr. Martin accomplishes in Washington (not Crawford) will be translated into an instant boost into the polls.

Two international also take place in the 36 days between May 9th and an election on June 14th. Paul Martin will visit Normandy (not Norway) on June 6th and the G8 summit in Georgia from June 8th through June 10th. These two events should keep Mr. Martin in the news for international (look I’m doing my job) type of events.

So, Mr. Martin, in his short time in office, has/will become the Prime Minister visible on the international scene while he will be seen as dismal on domestic policies.

Let’s just remember why Canadian-American relations are at a recent all-time low, remember why Canadians were able to liberate France 60 years ago, and contemplate whether the Liberals are setting, or being led by, the trend of globalization.