Yellowknife (Dec 06/04) - Despite his suspicions that George W. Bush is a "warmonger, cowboy," and a "bully," Premier Joe Handley said he was impressed with the U.S. president's knowledge of the North after the two met last week.

"He wasn't arrogant, he was well-briefed," said Handley on Thursday.

"He was very engaged in the discussion and listened to what I was saying. On a one-on-one basis, he's good."

Handley was given a few minutes to speak with Bush while the president was in Ottawa on an official state visit Tuesday.

He wanted to talk to Bush about the country's controversial plan to open up the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge to drilling for oil and gas.

The federally-protected area is the principal calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd, which migrates through both the U.S. and Canada.

Handley said Bush told him the plan to drill isn't a done deal, but could be if the U.S. doesn't find a reliable source of fuel soon.

"Unless they can get some stability in the Middle East, their focus is very quickly going to turn to a continental energy supply," said Handley.

He said Bush expressed interest in the Mackenzie Valley pipeline and knew of the GNWT's aims to push ahead with it before an Alaskan route can be built.

Handley said he would've liked to have asked more questions about energy needs and the president's plans for a continental missile defence shield, but he only had a few moments of one-on-one time before other premiers were given an opportunity to speak with him.

"I was just impressed to be able to talk to the most powerful man in the world," said Handley, adding it's easy to understand why so many people outside the U.S. have reservations about Bush.

"Some think he is the most hated man outside of the United States and that's very possible.

"Anybody who has that much power, it's scary."