Governor General accused of support for separatists

Canada's new Governor General, who holds dual French nationality, has been accused of divided loyalties and her husband of having ties to French-speaking separatists in a bitter row that has exposed the country's historical fault line.

Haitian-born Michaelle Jean, a broadcast journalist, was appointed by the Queen as her representative in Canada on the recommendation of the government, led by prime minister Paul Martin.

She is due to be sworn in next month, the first time that a black woman has held the post.

But the decision has dredged up the ghosts of Canada's troubled past, in particular the sometimes bloody campaign by separatists for an independent Quebec.

The nationwide political fracas has been fuelled in part by the revelation that Jean holds dual French nationality through her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond.

That provoked some to call for the renunciation of her French passport. Canadian MP Pierre Poilievre said Jean should either "disavow" her French citizenship, or renounce Quebec separatism to prove she is willing to stand up for Canada.

But the most explosive allegation appeared in Quebec publications, where hardline separatists claimed that Jean's husband was a secret supporter.

They also alleged that the couple had backed independence for Quebec in the referendum 10 years ago. The vote was defeated by a razor-thin one per cent margin.

Some politicians and commentators are now calling for the couple to reveal how they voted.

The allegations have prompted a furious fight-back from Martin's office, which accused the separatists of a smear campaign to discredit Jean.

"When the prime minister says that Madame Jean and her husband are committed Canadians, you can rest assured that they are committed Canadians," said Scott Reid, the premier's spokesman.