Gimbol's diatribe and screed

Dumont threatening an election?

Gotta admire the way this guy is operating.

While the whole debate on "reasonable accomodation" rages on, he throws out an issue that causes the government to defend the status quo, which is support a school board system that no one cares enough to vote (4% turnout?) and has disparingly poor attendance and frighteningly high drop out rates. Seems there is no mushy middle. So while the PQ is setting off its own traps by race-baiting and Charet can't seem to get ahead, Dumont decides to table a confidence motion.

But here's the thing.

I don't think his intention is to trigger an election.
What I think he wants to do is force the other parties to chicken out and show fear in the face of an electorate.
Think about it. Which Quebec provincial party actually stands the best chance of election right now?
The liberal brand is doa, and the PQ well I believe folks look at them and see a party that is inhabited by the separatist elitists, and communist kook fringe. That leaves the ADQ in striking distance.
But again its not about forcing an election, its about showing up the other guys as not ready to fight one.

I'll give a clue how this works.

Remember the last federal election when Martin said he would debate for Canada anytime, and then Duceppe took him up on it? Then when Martin backed down Harper said he would do it if the current PM wouldn't? But then the nail went in the coffin when Duceppe backed down on Harpers challenge leaving Harper on the high moral ground.

Something like that.

Labels: Quebec politics

posted by gimbol @ 4:07 AM