Former Newfoundland and Labrador premier Brian Tobin has removed his name from the list of possible contenders to replace Paul Martin as leader of the federal Liberal party.

Tobin, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador between 1996 and 2000, said the party needs a fresh face to take it into the next election.

"It takes an enormous commitment to do what our members of Parliament do, and for a long time I did it," said Tobin, who rose to national prominence as a member of the so-called Rat Pack during the 1980s.

"But I think that my time has passed, and it is time now for new blood and for new players."

Tobin quit as premier to re-enter federal politics in 2000, amid speculation he was preparing a bid to replace then-prime minister Jean Chrétien.

However, he left cabinet abruptly in 2002, citing his desire to spend more time with his family.

Tobin, 51, follows former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna and former deputy prime minister John Manley as high-profile Liberals who have opted out of running for the leadership.

Tobin has been high on the list of potential candidates since Martin announced on election night that he's stepping down.

"It really wasn't a hard decision," Tobin said.

"I think I've known since Paul Martin made his announcement that he was stepping aside that, purely from a gut point of view, this is not something that was right for me or my family at this stage of the game," said Tobin, who now lives in Toronto.

"I've really enjoyed these last four years."

Tobin expects to see "a wide-open contest [that] will be quite exciting for the Liberal party."

Tobin was first elected in 1980, at 25, in the riding of Humber-Port au Port-St. Barbe. During the Mulroney era, he earned a reputation for stinging criticism of the government benches.

The Liberals took office in 1993, and Tobin was appointed minister of fisheries and oceans.

When Clyde Wells announced his retirement as Newfoundland premier in late 1995, Tobin swept into Newfoundland politics.

He was unopposed as the Liberal leader in early 1996, and his provincial Liberals rolled over the Tories in an election that winter.

He called – and won – another election only three years later.

His decision to quit as premier, though, cost him credibility in the province, especially since he had vowed to serve another full term.

Fraser Piccott, president of the provincial Liberal party when Tobin was premier, says Tobin's decision is disappointing.

"I think it was Tobin's for the taking," said Piccott.

"Brian had the qualities that one would need to go forward as prime minister."