Ottawa — Few Canadians have ever heard of Mac Harb, a Liberal MP from Ottawa who toils on the back bench, but yesterday he was given a $105,000-a-year job for 25 years when Jean Chrétien appointed him to the Senate — his reward for more than a decade of loyalty during which he fought the Prime Minister's foes.

In naming Mr. Harb to the Senate, Mr. Chrétien has finally put to rest the rumours that have been swirling around official Ottawa for years now that Mr. Harb had been promised a Senate seat for humiliating John Turner nearly 15 years ago, and for delivering slates and slates of delegates from eastern Ontario to help Mr. Chrétien defeat Paul Martin in the 1990 leadership race.

The appointment also underscores the bitter rivalry between Mr. Chrétien and Mr. Martin, and threatens to set off another battle between the two camps if long-time Martinite Richard Mahoney fights staunch Chrétien supporter Penny Collenette — the wife of Transport Minister David Collenette — for the Liberal nomination in Mr. Harb's coveted riding.

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His was one of three Senate appointments the Prime Minister made yesterday. Also named were Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, 70, the former lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick; and Quebec consumer protection advocate Madeleine Plamondon. (who just happens to come from Shawinigan and will sit as an independent)

Ms. Plamondon, 71, is from the Prime Minister's hometown of Shawinigan but has never been affiliated with any political party. She will sit in the Senate as an independent.

The appointments leave three vacancies in the Senate — one each in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta. However, there is the possibility the Prime Minister could make another appointment in Quebec if he stays until his planned February retirement. Liberal Senator Leo Kolber is to retire in January.

Last June, the Prime Minister appointed his chief of staff, Percy Downe, to the Red Chamber; Mr. Downe, 49, will sit until 2029.