Apolitical Staples

Duceppe will go to Quebec City. The Bloc will quickly choose a new leader - probably Gauthier will be asked to come back and serve as interim leader while Pierre Paquette gets himself organized.

The Bloc will not want an election anytime soon. I am not sure why the Tories or the Liberals would not want to take advantage of this disarray in the separatist ranks, however.

Why let Duceppe get the PQ out of its funk?

Duceppe will be “crowned” some say. I doubt Gauthier will be back - he’s retiring because of health issues.

I also think that Duceppe will be crowned at Quebec City although many members like Pierre Curzi. He is a green in politic, but well known among the population. He’s is a very popular actor overhere. He was the co-star of the famous Denys Arcand’s movie ”Le déclin de l’empire américain”. Sorry, but I don’t remember the title in English. However, the PQ is in deep red so they can’t afford another leadership campaign. So that is why Duceppe will come over.

As for the BQ leadership, do not bet against an outsider such as Bernard Landry. He can’t wait to come back in the political ring. He is interested by the job.

Finally, the big question is: Will the PQ survive?

Duceppe may be jumping one election too late. Boisclair’s weakness at a time when the government was vulnerable allowed Dumont to sneak right up the middle and become a governing alternative.

I always thought that Duceppe should have jumped in the summer of 2005. If he did, he might have had a better chance of nipping Dumont in the bud.

Duceppe might bring stability. But the PQ might need more than that right now if it is to regain traction.