I am wondering if this coalition, whether it comes to power or not, could result in the start of the merging of the Liberal and NDP parties.

   

   

A merger between the Liberal and NDP parties? No, what the coalition will do is bring both parties to an end as separate entities. In the end, there will be only one party, a party comprised of the survivors of the coalition between the two. The new party, whatever they name it, will have neither the numbers nor the power of either party prior to the coalition.

   

I've thought the same thing over the last few days. I doubt it would happen, but it would be great -- finally back to the good ol' days of majority governments and stability. More likely is that, if they form government, there'll be some sort of deal next election whereby New Democrats and Liberals don't run against each other, and maybe they'll even run as a coalition. Who knows? These are interesting times, ladies and gentlemen.

   

It's desperately needed but there are too many generals and not enough privates. Also, strategically it's not a mantle the liberal party wants to don for long as they will alienate a lot of the support they enjoy from the voters who decide between the liberals and the Conservatives. This merge will make them decidedly on the left instead of centre left.

Still, if the coalition works there may be enough young turks around to see it does work and drive the policy... enter Justin.

   

That's exactly it. I'm a centrist myself. I'm not sure how I'd feel... I might have to do the unthinkable: hold my nose and jump to the Tories. Ugh... I gotta go take a shower

   

If that's the way you, as a voter feels, how do you think a lot of Liberal and NDP MPs feel about their leaders giving the final word on governing this country over to the Bloc Quebecois? Do you think they will hold their noses and jump also?

   

Good point. I certainly hope not. The Bloc promised to support the coalition on confidence motions until 2010. If they're willing to stand by their promise, then I see no problem. After that, let's have an election. Either way, it'll be interesting.

   

I doubt they would jump for Harper but go Green instead.

   

The question starts looking more and more like "do we want a 2 party system (bloc notwithstanding)?"

Admittedly over the past 2 years I have warmed considerably to the idea of the Libs negotiating with the NDP rather then the CPC but I'm not quite sure if I'm ready for "the Liberal Democrats" yet.