Nault to leave politics

Former Indian Affairs minister Bob Nault is leaving politics.

The MP for Kenora-Rainy River in northwest Ontario announced Tuesday morning that he will not be seeking the Liberal nomination for the next federal election.

Nault has been an MP for the past 15 years.

He was shut out of cabinet after Prime Minister Paul Martin replaced him as DIAND minister in December. The throne speech Monday also signalled an end to one of Nault's main iniatives during his tenure, the First Nations Governance Act.

Nault's replacement as DIAND minister was welcomed by Nunavut premier Paul Okalik, who clashed with the minister over the issue of devolution of powers to the territory.

Nault says the decision to leave office was one of the most difficult he's had to make in his life.