Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff is conceding defeat
Posted May 2, 2011 11:36:05 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff is conceding defeat in tonight’s election after his party suffered a crushing defeat in the election.
In a strained voice, he offered his congratulations to Prime Minister Harper and N-D-P leader Jack Layton, who both finished ahead of his Liberals.
Ignatieff told supporters in Toronto that democracy teaches hard lessons and he says his party will have to learn the lesson voters have given.
He says that’s vital as the Liberals rebuild to once again become what he calls the vital centre of Canadian politics.
He says the Liberal party was around before its current membership was born and will be around long after the election.
Ignatieff says he accepts full responsibility for his party’s disastrous showing and says he’ll serve as leader as long as the party wants him to.
Ignatieff’s Liberals are elected or leading in just 33 seats and he is facing defeat in his Toronto riding.
His campaign got off to a good start, but the surging New Democrats overtook him after the televised leaders debates.
