Ignatieff Dodges Questions On Denis Coderre’s Resignation
Posted October 3, 2009 7:56 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff sidestepped questions Saturday on the recent resignation of his Quebec lieutenant.
But instead of talking about Denis Coderre, Ignatieff promoted plans for a high-speed train between Quebec City and Windsor, Ont.
Ignatieff was peppered with questions from journalists about Coderre’s future on the eve of the biennial convention of the Quebec wing of the federal Liberal party.
Coderre resigned last Monday in a spat over a nomination fight in a Montreal riding.
Earlier this week, Ignatieff warned of “consequences” for Coderre due to his departure.
Coderre is expected to be absent from the Liberal meeting.
But he tried to made amends with the party in an appearance Thursday on a popular variety show in Quebec that is to be broadcast Sunday.
Coderre ended up in hot water after he intervened in the nomination of a candidate in the riding of Outrement.
He selected star candidate Nathalie Le Prohon for the riding, despite the fact that former cabinet minister Martin Cauchon – a Coderre rival – wanted to run in the riding he represented for 11 years.
Ignatieff bowed to pressure and gave Cauchon his shot at the nomination, infuriating Coderre.
