Opposition leader Roger Grimes is stepping down as head of the provincial Liberal party.

After 16 years in public life, Grimes said Monday the time is right for him to retire from provincial politics.

As Opposition leader, Roger Grimes has launched pointed critiques against Premier Danny Williams.

Grimes, who turned 55 earlier this month, was first elected in the May 1989 general election, and has represented Exploits district since.

Grimes told reporters he has lost his political appetite.

"For the first time in 16 years, I found myself being hesitant rather than being fully enthusiastic," said Grimes, describing conversations he had with his wife, Mary Ann, over the last month.

ROGER GRIMES

Born May 2, 1950. President of the Newfounldand and Labrador Teachers' Association, 1985-87. Elected MHA for Exploits in 1989. Re-elected in 1993, 1996, 1999 and 2003. Cabinet portfolios included labour, tourism, education, mines and energy, and health. Elected Liberal leader in February 2001; served as premier for 32 months. Lost 2003 general election to Danny Williams' Tories.

"I leave having been blessed with the opportunity to have had two wonderful careers so far," says Grimes, who taught for an additional 16 years before entering politics.

Grimes announced his resignation Monday in St. John's while surrounded by Liberal MHAs and party supporters.

Grimes didn't spare barbs for Premier Danny Williams during his remarks.

He said the Williams government's policies have seen it "presiding over the depopulation of the province generally, and the decimation of rural Newfoundland and Labrador in particular."

Grimes says he has no particular plans in mind, and will spend the summer considering his options.

Grimes's departure will likely mean a byelection in Exploits this summer.

The Liberal leadership met this weekend to prepare for life after Grimes.

Interim leader appointment soon: Lush

Party president Tom Lush says an interim leader will be appointed by Wednesday, when Grimes will formally resign.

Lush says a leadership convention will be held next year.

The Liberals are more than $500,000 in debt. The party hopes to be in a better financial position by the time the next leader is elected.

Grimes's career took him took him through several cabinet posts and all the way to the premier's office.

He was sworn in as premier Feb. 13, 2001, 10 days after winning a bitter campaign for the Liberal leadership over rival John Efford.

As premier, Grimes struggled not only to quell unrest in his own party, but to take command of difficult issues including the Voisey's Bay mining development, the Lower Churchill hydroelectric development and the province's finances.

He and the Liberals were defeated by Danny Williams's Conservatives in the Oct. 21, 2003 election.

CBC NEWS INDEPTH: Newfoundland and Labrador Votes 2003

As Opposition leader, Grimes has led a caucus of 12 in the House of Assembly.

Before entering politics, Grimes had served as president of the Newfoundland Teachers' Association.