Ignatieff plans to become PM if he loses election: Harper
Posted April 20, 2011 7:03 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, On. – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has finally admitted he plans to become Prime Minister with support of the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois if he loses the election, Stephen Harper said.
In an interview with CBC’s Peter Mansbridge, Tuesday, Ignatieff carefully handled questions about his plans if Harper fails to win a majority.
If Harper returned with a minority and failed to win confidence of parliament, Ignatieff said he would not form a coalition, but would be willing to form government to parliamentary rules, involving all parties – including the Conservatives.
Richard Johnston, Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia, said Ignatieff is laying all his cards out on the table and that’s a smart move.
“He can’t duck the questions, so I think he’s probably just as well to confront it,” he said. “Getting it out there two weeks in advance allows for the possibility that the sting [of a coalition] can be taken out.”
Johnston said this could be a boost for the Liberals, after the Conservative strategy warned of a hidden coalition, but he also points out this could backfire on the grits, and drive more voters to the Tories to give them a majority.
