Talk of right-wing merger grows in Quebec

Speculation is growing that Quebec's right-of-centre factions could soon join forces in preparation for the approaching provincial election.

It appears the Action démocratique du Québec, which holds four seats in the provincial legislature, could merge with a conservative group headed by former Parti Québécois cabinet minister François Legault.

Members of the ADQ were gathered in Trois-Rivières, Que., on the weekend to discuss party policies, but much of the focus was on the possible merger with the Coalition for Quebec's Future.

An ADQ member of the legislature, Janvier Grondin, told reporters informal talks have been underway to merge the two groups by the fall.

Grondin said he had no trouble imagining Legault as the leader of a newly formed party.

While Legault's recently formed group isn't a political party, it has attracted considerable attention of late for its efforts to strengthen conservatism in the province.

François Bonnardel, another ADQ member of the legislature, said talk of a merger between the two groups is only hypothetical for now. But he said the right must be united if it hopes to beat the ruling Liberals and the Parti Québécois in the next election.

"It's clear that if you want to win against [Premier] Jean Charest and [PQ Leader] Pauline Marois in the next provincial election, you need the centre-right or right together," he said.

'No merger discussions'

ADQ officials, however, deny merger talks are underway.

The party issued a statement later Saturday saying there have not been any negotiations to merge with Legault's group.

"There are no merger discussions taking place between the ADQ and any other political party or entity," said Dino Mazzone, a special adviser to ADQ Leader Gérard Deltell.

Deltell made no mention of the possible merger in a speech to about 350 party members Saturday morning, focusing instead on the need to reform the province's unions.

The ADQ rode a wave of populist anger to become the Official Opposition following the 2007 election, but it has nearly been wiped off the electoral map since.

Recent polls, however, suggest the party is starting to climb back into public favour.