John Manley has dropped out of the race for the Liberal leadership, saying that to continue would be "irresponsible."

"It is apparent to me that I do not have the sufficient support to win the leadership race in November," he told a news conference.

"I have offered the party a choice, and the party has chosen – Paul Martin will be the next leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and the next prime minister of Canada, and I believe he will be an excellent prime minister."