The Montreal Gazette fired reporter Andre Gagnon Tuesday for participating in a political meeting attended by Quebec Premier Rene Levesque, the daily newspaper’s managing editor said.

Gagnon was fired for acting as master of ceremonies Monday evening at the nomination meeting of Parti Quebecois Social Development Minister Pierre Marois in the South Shore riding of Marie Victorin that was attended by Premier Rene Levesque.

‘When he told us last Friday that he would take part in the meeting, we warned him that went against our policy and he would be fired,’ said Managing Editor Geoff Stevenson. ‘We gave him a letter to that effect before the meeting Monday.’

The managing editor said the newspaper’s policy was that reporters and senior executives were not allowed to engage in political actions that compromised the neutrality of the Gazette.

Gagnon, who has worked for The Gazette since Feb. 19, 1979, said he will consult his lawyer before deciding on any action, but he added, ‘I will probably sue The Gazette for illegal firing.’