Exhibit 31.1

                  CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                            SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION



I, Eric Claus certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Great Atlantic &
Pacific Tea Company, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which
such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this report;

3. Intentionally omitted;

4. Intentionally omitted;

5. Intentionally omitted.



     /s/ Eric Claus                                  Date:  April 10, 2008
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President and Chief Executive Officer