Summary
In the final analysis, the Liberals are simply not in a position to offer a viable alternative to the Conservatives. [Michael Ignatieff] had to support the government, but in doing so he's playing a dangerous game with [Stephen Harper] and the Conservatives. It's now a race against time to see which leader fulfils his true destiny. Will Harper find a way of destabilizing the Liberals and keeping them a poor alternative for voters? Or will Ignatieff find his stride in time to take down the Conservatives once and for all?
All of which leads us to the most obvious conclusion about Ignatieff's capitulation: the Liberals had little choice but to support the budget. The Liberal party has been devastated by infighting, electoral debt, poor leadership and eroding public support. The thought of taking the helm of a coalition government, or fighting another election, is unthinkable right now for the Liberals. Added to that is the lingering concern the public is simply not ready to contemplate a coalition government. Ignatieff is more popular than his predecessor, Stephane Dion, and nearly as popular now as the prime minister. Based on that fact alone, the public appears in opinion polls to be a bit less frightened by the thought of a coalition. But it's still a risky prospect for a leader still trying to figure out what kind of party he has inherited.See the full content of this document
Extract
The Battle has Only Just Begun
Sooner or later, Harper will pounce
Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is genuinely concerned about some parts of the budget tabled this week by the Harper Conservatives. But it appears he is more concerned about the consequences of voting it do...See the full content of this document
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