The United States Congress is losing one of its most colourful and provocative politicians with the retirement of Sen. Jesse Helms. And Canada is losing one of its most vocal opponents.

After 30 years as a conservative icon in Washington, the North Carolina senator has decided not to run when his seat is up for election next year.

Helms said he would be 88 years old if he were re-elected in 2002 and served out another six-year term.

Jesse Helms recently in Washington
Jesse Helms recently in Washington

In a 10-minute televised speech, Helms put to rest the rumours that had been swirling around his possible retirement at the end of five successive terms in office.

"Not in my wildest imagination did it occur to me that such a privilege would ever be mine," Helms said.

In responding to the news, President George W. Bush issued a release from the White House in which he called Helms an institution who provided the country with three decades of distinguished public service.

"Senator Helms is a true gentleman, known for treating his colleagues with the utmost respect and courtesy, regardless of party or policy differences," Bush said.

Harsh critic of liberals, Canada

But some might not agree with such a sanguine testimonial.

Helms has been an ardent champion of right-wing policies, showering scathing attacks on liberal causes such as abortion and gay rights. A former segregationist, he was accused of racism for his attacks on affirmative action.

As chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Helms was an unrelenting critic of the United Nations, arms control, and foreign aid, which he once described as throwing money down foreign rat holes.

He was also co-sponsor of the controversial Helms-Burton law, which would penalize Canadians for doing business in Cuba. He compared Canada's dealings with Cuba's Fidel Castro to pre-war British appeasement of Adolf Hitler.

Recently, the fiery senator has been reduced by ill health to moving around Capitol Hill on a motorized scooter.

Challenge ahead for GOP

With his retirement, and that of 98-year-old fellow Republican Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, the GOP will have a challenge trying to recapture the Senate next year.

The Democrats hold a slim 50-49 advantage, with one independent in the upper house.

Next year, Republicans will defend 20 seats, including the two left open by the retirements, while the Democrats are defending 14, none of them open.