Washington, July 26 (DPA) Former Republican US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin left unclear her future political plans Sunday as she formally ended her tenure as governor of the state of Alaska.

Palin, 45, surprised political spectators earlier this month when she announced that she would give up the governor's office nearly a year and a half before her term was up, citing distractions caused by ongoing personal and political attacks.

Many commentators say leaving before her term expires diminishes her chances of a successful presidential campaign in 2012. Yet Palin remains popular with the Republican base and many of the party faithful say they hope she does make a run.

But in a weekend of farewell barbecues, Palin gave no insights into her upcoming plans, reported US media outlets, other than to say she wants to spend more time with her children and to make vague statements that she wants to work to improve America.