On difficult choices

The Cons have their work cut out for them in trying to be seen as anything other than the Bloc's fondest wish - and Gilles Duceppe is only making the job harder:

Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe said the burden of proof is on Conservative leader Stephen Harper to make good on his promises.

Speaking in Montreal Tuesday, Duceppe said he expects Harper to give Quebec a bigger role on the international stage and to solve the so-called fiscal imbalance between the provinces and the federal government -- a major issue for Quebec.

The Bloc leader also said he wanted to remind Harper that the Bloc holds the balance of power.

The Cons are currently doing everything in their power to kick any discussion of equalization well into the future. But it's clear that Duceppe isn't going to take that for an answer...and that the Cons will face a choice between alienating a good chunk of its newfound support in Quebec, or being seen to give into the wishes of the Bloc when it comes to federalism (not to mention having to deal with a thorny issue generally). Best of luck to PMSH, as it looks like he's going to need it.