Harper says no to coalition

Stephen Harper has finally addressed the question I would have asked all along: how would you govern in a Conservative minority government?

Harper said a Conservative minority government would not enter into a coalition or formal arrangement with any other party, especially the separatist Bloc Québécois. He added that he would govern on an issue-by-issue basis, co-operating with "individuals or parties that are absolutely committed to the unity of the country," according to an interview with The Globe and Mail.

I suppose that is the best answer he could give. But how long could that last? Forming a minority government is difficult when you have two somewhat similar parties, e.g., Liberals and NDP. But even that was tenuous, and the Liberals made decisions they otherwise wouldn't have, because of the NDP.

The Conservatives have no natural allies. The closest thing on some issues is the Bloc Quebecois, but Harper doesn't want to be seen as having anything to do with them.

And even if you believe the Conservatives have a shot, will the Canadian people vote for a scenario where they have to do this once again. If a Conservative minority government doesn't last 30 days, the Canadian voters have to deal with this all over again. That may be his best reason for having a majority government, regardless of which party is the leader of that government.