Surprised because of their vociferous denunciation of negative ads during the last federal campaign and surprised because of Mr. Harper's vehement denial that he wants an election anytime soon.

I did not attempt to defend the ads that the Liberal Party ran in the final week of the last election.

Had I had any input into the decision to run those ads, I would have advised against it. Canadians are tired of this approach and would prefer to hear about why to vote for someone rather than an attack.

Canadians see through these tactics, regardless of the party that sponsors them. They smack of desperation and nervousness and do nothing to move us forward.