So what does a political party do when there hasn't been much to celebrate? Well, when you're the federal Liberals you throw a party. Tonight in Montreal, 400 party stalwarts will be gathering to celebrate the political longevity of one of their own. Back from Afghanistan, equipped with a new appreciation of the challenges facing the troops but minus the beard he grew for the trip, Denis Coderre, the Liberals' defence critic, will be feted for hitting the ten year mark as a Member of Parliament.

On the bill are speeches from political types but also, in an apparent effort at inspiration on how to start "scoring" some political gains in Quebec, Rejean Tremblay, the Quebec author who penned the popular T.V. series "He Shoots, He Scores" will also take the mike.

So after weeks of angst and political infighting, will party members simply have a good time and forget the turmoil of past few weeks? Wrong. According to political insiders there's disappointment their beleaguered leader Stéphane Dion is attending a Liberal event in New Brunswick instead, and only providing a video greeting.

But not to worry, deputy leader Michael Ignatieff has stepped into the leadership breach and will be attending as the guest of honour.