Arthur

Bridgetown, Barbados (The Nation):

Prime Minister Owen Arthur has ended some speculation about his political future, saying he is prepared to seek re-election to Parliament.

"After three terms as a Prime Minister, it is a highly attractive temptation to just ride off into the sunset, after having made a contribution," he told members and supporters of his Barbados Labour Party Sunday. "However, I feel that I have a contribution to make."

Arthur, a 57-year-old economist, entered the Senate in 1983 and the next year won a by-election for the St. Peter seat in the House of Assembly. After his party won a record third term in 2003, there had been speculation that Arthur would retire ahead of the next poll.