Gilles Duceppe says he is satisfied with his performance in both the English and French leaders' debates. While waiting to board an airplane in Ottawa to go to Toronto, Duceppe chatted with reporters for a few minutes.

He says he was happy to have forced Stephen Harper out on two issues, both during the English-language debate. The first, Harper's admission that his support of going to war in 2003 with the U.S. and the "coalition of the willing," was a mistake. Duceppe says he will use the admission in the election campaign as Exhibit A that Harper lacks solid judgment skills.

Duceppe also says Harper was weakened when he confirmed he does not support a refundable tax credit for the manufacturing industry to encourage companies to improve productivity.

The Bloc leader acknowledges Jack Layton put on a strong performance in the English debate.

However, he appeared to feel pity when discussing Liberal leader Stéphane Dion. "He really had trouble with his English," Duceppe said, shaking his head.

— Tim Duboyce