Tweedle Dum, or Tweedle Dee? Does it matter?
Of course, from the ROC's point of view, seperatists are all the same right?
:roll:
Seriously, this leadership race is bound to draw lots of attention in Quebec because it is a very crucial one for the severely weakened PQ. The last leadership race was a total bore. André Boisclair's cocaine story stole the show, the debate was clogged up by too many leadership contestants and real and serious issues were barely discussed. In the end it was pretty much a superficial popularity contest. The only interesting moment was when Marois had the courage and honesty to say that Quebec would probably go through at least 5 years of instability following a victory of the YES in a referendum. She was blasted by many prominent seperatist figures for saying that out loud.
This time around, we have 2 major and prominent figures, Duceppe and Marois. If wannabe leaders stay away from this race we could have a real debate of ideas for the future of the PQ and the independance movement.
Duceppe has solid experience and he tends to be a sharp and witty debater. He's known for the discipline he's managed to maintain in the Bloc and many think discipline is exactly what the PQ needs right now. Apart from all being sovereignists, PQ members are a very diversified bunch that spread all over the political spectrum. For that reason, cohesion is hard to maintain when sovereignty is not on the horizon and a tough leader who can impose respect and discipline would be a good thing for the party That being said, Duceppe is also known for his leftist tendecies. That might not fare so good with many in the PQ who are trying to bring the party closer to the Quebec population who's lately been turning to the right.
On the other side, we've got Marois who's been in the PQ nearly since the beginning. She has very solid experience (she's managed pretty much everything as a minister). She has a substantial portfolio while it is more than questionable if Duceppe would even be spoken about today if it wouldn't have been for the sponsership scandal.
Canadians won't give a damn about this leadership race but maybe they should. Seperatism simply isn't dead and Quebec's political landscape is very volatile right now.