"It's Hard To Think Of A Swifter Way To Push Angry Quebecers Into The Open

Since then, her ex-leader Stephen Harper has spent much time trying to make his party a presence in Quebec. Until the last few days, his former leadership rival, on the other hand, has obviously had other things than the federalist fortunes in Quebec on her mind.

Last week, Stronach was still unable to conduct media interviews in French, or even to answer simple questions in French at her news conference.

If Prime Minister Paul Martin had not handed Stronach the central role in the handling of the future recommendations of the Gomery commission, Stronach's French shortcomings would amount to an ironic footnote to last week's political soap opera.

But he has cast her at centre stage, in a post crucial to the redemption of the image of federalism in Quebec.

Full article: Stronach's unity cloth a little threadbare [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on May 25, 2005]

Note: Stronach's unity cloth ... Stronach's unity cloth ...