Election Roundtable

What a morning after! Paul Martin has already left the arena and the new game really hasn't begun.

This is pretty much my dream result, so I am quite happy. A well-locked House of Commons that will have to co-operate and get along, with lots of reasons for that not to happen. After years of shouting and finger-pointing about the ills of all others, the Tories have a lot of bridge building - inside the party and out. Liberal factionalism, too, might arise or perhaps a potential strong leader - either way, they may not be as willing as possible to help out Harper.

The NDP missed holding the balance of power by a few votes, so even though they made good gains in seats it is something of a moral victory...again. But that moral victory may taste a bit sweeter than the taste in the mouth of Gilles Duceppe, who has pretty much maintained his seats but with ony 42% of the Quebec vote. What incentive does he have to help the new rural Tory overlords who took his support and may well do so more next time. And then there is the shock jock of Quebec City. What will he add? Sober reflection? A helping hand in a tight spot for the new PM? Not likely.

So the jump to 64.9 per cent of eligible voters means Canada likely got what it wanted. I know I did. Should be a fun ride. See you again in 19 months.