The Quebec Liberal party is holding its own among voters and has edged ahead of the Parti Québécois for the first time in two years, according to a pair of polls published Tuesday.

Two separate and independent polls, published in La Presse and Le Devoir, put the Liberals slightly ahead of the PQ when it comes to intended votes. 

The first poll, commissioned by La Presse and conducted by CROP, gives the Liberals 37 per cent of intended votes, compared to 34 per cent for the PQ and 14 per cent for the Action Démocratique du Québec.

In the second survey, conducted by Léger Marketing for Le Devoir, the Liberals earned 34 per cent of intended votes versus 32 per cent for the PQ. The ADQ fares much better, with 24 per cent of intended votes.

The polls were published as rumours swirl throughout the province about a possible spring election.

Lead now gone

The survey results mark the first time in two years the Liberals have squeezed ahead of the PQ in the polls, suggesting trouble is brewing inside the sovereigntist party, which until recently enjoyed a significant lead over the ruling party.

"The trend is the same, and it is very unfavourable for the Parti Québécois," Le Devoir columnist Michel David told Radio-Canada.

PQ Leader André Boisclair has faced difficulties since taking over in November 2005, with his short tenure having been marred by controversy and infighting, and the list of PQ members opting not to run in the next election growing. 

Several PQ MNAs cornered by reporters at the National Assembly Tuesday declined to comment on the polls.

PQ MNA Rosaire Bertrand told Canadian Press that they indicate some kind of discussion is needed inside the party, but she remains confident in Boisclair.

Liberal caucus president David Whissell said the polls indicate Quebecers are growing more satisfied with the Charest government. The Liberal administration was widely criticized throughout the first three years of its term,  because of a series of controversial policies it introduced, including raising the cost of subsidized daycare, and imposing a contract on public sector employees.

The polls also underscore significant inroads made by right-of-centre party l'Action Démocratique du Québec (ADQ).

The CROP poll surveyed 1,000 Quebecers between Jan. 18 and Jan 28, with a margin of error of three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

The Léger Marketing poll surveyed 1,001 Quebecers between Jan. 25 and Jan. 28, with a margin of error of three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.