Bested Bloc-heads beget bad bluff

Maybe Gille's lookin' at his numbers and just figures things can't get any worse.

-- OTTAWA -- Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe set off a game of parliamentary chicken on Saturday, laying down five "non-negotiable" conditions for supporting the minority Conservative government's throne speech next month.

Unless one of the parties blinks, Mr. Duceppe's ploy increases the chances that the country will be plunged into a fall election.

What makes Duceppe think, even in his wildest, most optimistic dreams, that the Prime Minister will bow to this sort of public blackmail?

During a campaign-like speech in Rimouski, Que., on Saturday, Mr. Duceppe listed five "non-negotiable" conditions the Conservative government must meet to earn his party's support.

"If it means an election, it means an election," he told reporters following his speech.

Hey... it has to happen sooner or later.

I say, bring it on.