Former Progressive Conservative leader Joe Clark reiterated his reluctant support for Paul Martin over Stephen Harper Monday, saying the prime minister is the lesser of two evils to lead the country.

"I do think it would be dangerous to have a leader with the kind of mentality Mr. Harper has," Clark said in a media scrum at Parliament Hill Monday.

Clark also took a swipe at U.S. President George W. Bush, saying Harper's international policies would follow the "hardline" polices of the Bush administration.

Joe Clark
Joe Clark

He said, in the next election, Canadians should not vote for parties but for the best candidate in their constituency. Clark said he's prepared to support candidates from all parties, including an old political rival, former NDP leader Ed Broadbent, who is running in Ottawa.

Clark created a firestorm of controversy when, during an interview on CTV's Question Period on Sunday, he was pressed to choose between Martin and Harper as the nation's leader. Clark chose Martin, saying it's better to go with the devil you know.

"I think faced with this very difficult choice Mr. Martin is the lesser of two evils," Clark said Monday.

Clark said Harper wants to pull the government away from such issues as women's rights, the environment and bilingualism.

He said voters are so enraged with the Liberals, they are giving Harper and his party "a bye."

"I do hope there will be an examination of Mr. Harper's position on various matters."