Ignatieff Skirts Coalition Issue

But the NDP’s Jack Layton won’t rule out forming an alliance with the Liberals if the Conservatives win a minority in the next election.

Don’t mention the c-word. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff stuck close to that script Wednesday, refusing to acknowledge the possibility his party could form a coalition with the other opposition parties should the Grits fall short in the next election. Stephen Harper frequently accuses the opposition party of plotting to usurp the Conservatives by forming an unholy political alliance, but Ignatieff stressed there is a choice between a “blue door” and a “red door” and that the Liberals intend to form a government on their own in an election expected this May. The polls indicate there’s a very slim chance of the Grits winning enough votes to do that, however, and Jack Layton indicated Wednesday he would be willing to contemplate a coalition.