NNSL (May 12/97) - Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Ron Irwin arrived in the North last week to rally support for Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

Irwin arrived in Yellownife Friday afternoon and spent the day campaigning downtown with Blondin-Andrew and had dinner with Northern aboriginal and business leaders.

The two were to continue the campaigning in Rae on Saturday. Whether Irwin is an asset to Blondin-Andrew's hopes of re-election or not depends on whom you talk to.

Aboriginal leaders seem to either hate or love Irwin.

Bill Erasmus, National chief of the Dene Nation, last week said Irwin has taken a piecemeal approach to aboriginal issues because of a personality clash between him and Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi.

North Slave Metis Alliance leader Clem Paul said Metis concerns have been ignored by Blondin-Andrew, Irwin and the Liberal government in general.

The Liberal's Nunavut candidate, Nancy Karetak Lindell, did not return calls requesting an interview.

The Arviat resident had planned to begin campaigning last Monday.