Gay Politico Out As Party Leader

Openly gay Andre Boisclair has stepped down as Parti Quebecois leader. A few of the reasons being cited for Boisclair’s sudden departure include the party’s nine seat loss in the recent general election and Boisclair’s feuds with his political peers. The 41-year old sovereignist headed the party ofr less than two years.

In his resignation speech, Boisclair took responsibility his party’s recent slide, but reassured voters that he loved his brief experience as party leader:

I consider that I gave the best of myself in this position but the current conditions don’t allow me to do this anymore. I just turned 41. I am still young and I still have a lot of things to accomplish in my life.

He also encouraged fellow Québécois to keep fighting the good fight:

I’m deeply convinced that this francophone people in North America will one day retake its rights and, between quiet resignation and its freedom, this brave nation will choose freedom.

Well, considering the party’s low numbers earlier this year, it doesn’t seem too many people are interested in a sovereign Quebec. But it’s the thought that counts, right?
Quebec separatist leader quits [CNN]
Andre Boisclair steps down from Parti Quebecois after short, turbulent reign [AM 940]
Andre Boisclair resigns as leader of Parti Quebecois [IHT]