The important thing is that the ADQ has advanced

"I would have preferred an ADQ government but the important thing for me is that the ADQ has made great progress," says Francois Gaudreau, ADQ candidate in Vimont. Mr. Gaudreau, who had held the seat briefly between 2002 and 2003, once again lost to Liberal Vincent Auclair. "Personally, I though I would win, but I can't say I'm disappointed about the campaign. My party did very well. With a minority government, the Liberal mandate could be very brief. I'm going to take some time to think before I decide what to do in the next election."

Pierre Tremblay, who finished second to Maurice Clermont in Mille-Îles says he's already decided to run again. "It's already been decided at party headquarters. We worked hard during the campaign and what we have to do now is familiarize the people of Laval with our program. For me the next campaign begins in two weeks, regardless of when the next election takes place," he said, moments after conceding to Clermont.

Robert Goulet, who finished third in Laval-des-Rapides, behind Liberal Alain Paquet and péquiste Marc Demers, is also quite satisfied with his campaign and is happy for his party. "Of course, I would have preferred to win, but I'm very glad to see my party do so well. Quebecers are showing more and more confidence in us, and this is a very good sign."

In Fabre, Patrick Pilotte gave Michelle Courchesne a run for her money, but fell in the end. "We'll see each other again in the next election, because I'm going to finish what I started," he says. "The future of the ADQ looks bright," he concludes.

Phani Papachristou, defeated by Liberal Guy Ouellette in Chomedey, also confirmed she'll be back for the next election. "I'm new to politics, so it's only natural that I have to prove myself before the people will elect me. So I'm getting ready to let the people know me better."