Canadian official allegedly drove on phone

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The premier of Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador province has refused to comment on accusations he used his cell phone while driving.

Motorist Kevin Little said he was annoyed to see a man using his handheld cell phone while driving -- a practice that was outlawed in the province in 2002 -- and was astonished when he recognized the chatty driver as Premier Danny Williams, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Wednesday.

"I slowed right down and I looked right at him, stared right at him, and yes, sure enough, it was the premier," Little said.

He said he rolled down his window and questioned the official about the legality of his actions, but Williams responded only with a shrug.

"My understanding, as I heard yesterday, is that some NAPE (Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees) worker had basically phoned in a complaint about a cell phone," Williams said. "He's indicated now he's gone to the police, so if ... this is a matter that could be before the courts, I wouldn't have any comment on that."

However, Little said the authorities seemed disinterested in his complaint, and dismissed him without taking down his information.