Raymonde Folco backs her leader

Interviewed by telephone Thursday morning, Raymonde Folco emphasized that the media had reported only a part of her statement. She maintained that she had also said that she had come to know and appreciate the leader of the official opposition and that she respected and admired him.

“People don’t have a correct impression of him,” said the MP whose support in the leadership race held last December went to Michael Ignatief.

Mrs. Folco doubts that Canadians want to see the American model of government in Canada, a model which in her estimation fosters Hollywood-style politicians.

“I prefer a leader who reflects and is intelligent, as is the case with Stéphane Dion. He has a vision of Canada. He is my leader and will remain such. Mr. Dion may not have charisma, but he is he has intelligence. Did Lester B. Pearson and Louis Saint-Laurent have charisma? No, but this did not stop them from governing the country effectively,” Mrs. Folco summed up.

Although confident about the next election, Mrs. Folco admitted that she would prefer for it to be held as far into the future as possible. “In reality, it all depends on Stephen Harper. He’s been cautioned as to what the parties want in the Throne Speech. If he doesn’t meet the expectations, it’s because he wants an election,” concluded the veteran MP whose Liberal Party candidacy in Laval-Les Îles has already been confirmed.

Photo:Folco