There has traditionally been, at the core of the Liberal Party of Canada, a cadre of quiet centrist insiders possessing considerable political savvy.These folk have kept the Liberal ship afloat and in government for much of the 20th century, people such as the former Senator Keith Davey and cohorts. If this group still exists, Michael Ignatieff is paying it no mind.

Iggy must be out of his depth, for he has painted himself into a corner with his threat to defeat the Conservative government at the first opportunity, come hell or high water and damn the torpedoes. He is flying in the face of public opinion which overwhelming does not want an election. Perhaps as a result he is slipping in the polls and it is thought that another election would leave us where we are with another Harper minority.

Enter Jack Layton, the only person Harper needs to save his reign. Given concessions on employment insurance, Layton will likely dash Iggy's threat, more to save himself than Harper, as the NDP would be squeezed out in a Liberal-Conservative slug fest. Duceppe and the Bloc are probably looking on with quiet amusement.

One thing which will turn off many voters are the tasteless attack ads beloved of the neo-con crowd. "Only visiting" and "He's only in it for himself". No kidding! Who is Harper in it for? one might ask. These ads are aimed at the mindless Conservative "base". Yahoos of the country, UNITE!! You have nothing to lose but your shirt.

The voting public is moving toward a preference for majority government. Too bad. A Harper majority is scary and an Iggy majority doesn't inspire any confidence on my part. Minority is best, it keeps them accountable, so leave it alone. Besides, it's more fun.