Manley Speaks of current election

Meanwhile, in Ottawa yesterday, an old leadership rival said that while the campaign may not have been a shining moment, it won't be Martin's fault if the Liberals lose on Monday night.

"He's fighting a tough election and he has to carry with him a lot of baggage, some of which is his and some of which he's inherited," said John Manley, who served as Jean Chrétien's deputy prime minister.

"That's not a fault of his. That's just the reality of the situation that exists."

Manley wouldn't take aim at Martin's inner circle of advisers whom some blame for a flawed campaign. "I don't think it's helpful to stand outside and criticize," he said.

Instead, Manley said the Liberals' biggest handicap throughout this campaign is simply the fact that they are asking voters to return them to office a fifth time.

"There is no doubt that, over a period of time, you develop a confidence around your own processes and decision-making, which gives you a sense of self-assurance, but which, on the other side of the table, can easily come across as insensitivity and arrogance," Manley said. "And I don't know if there is a way a government that's been a long time in office can avoid that."

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