Dion calls for party discipline in face of Quebec criticism

[CHIMO]

Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion reacted to criticism from Quebec members of his ranks Thursday by saying the party must exercise more discipline if it hopes to win a federal election.

Speaking to reporters in Montreal, Dion said an election could happen in weeks or in months, but the party must be ready for one anytime.

"It means that we have to be prepared at any moment and discipline is essential, because if we aren't disciplined now, as we said amongst ourselves now, we might not be during an election."

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/03/27/dion-criticism.html

Liberals unable to rally supporters in Northern Saskatchewan

Marcel Head, chief of Shoal Lake First Nation and an Orchard supporter, said many aboriginal people stayed home because they weren't encouraged to vote by their band leadership, many of whom were upset with Mr. Dion for bypassing the nomination process.

Mr. Goodale was said to be dead-set against Mr. Orchard because of his political views, particularly his opposition to free trade. However, many in the party believe Mr. Goodale did not want to see another Saskatchewan MP gain influence with Mr. Dion.

Some senior Liberals question whether Mr. Goodale gave the leader advice that would help the party, or blocked Mr. Orchard's nomination to preserve his own influence.

"He just didn't want somebody else with a pipeline direct to the leader," one Liberal close to the discussions said about the appointment. "If the leader isn't questioning what the hell happened here, I'd be really worried."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080319.wbysask19/BNStory/National/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080319.wbysask19

Guess that we will shortly see whether Dion has a political fifth sense.