Party leaders cry foul after CAQ allegation of 'interference' in policing

Coalition Avenir Qubec candidateIanLafrenirewas asked to clarify comments he made about "political interference" he'dexperiencedwhile working as a Montreal police officer.

His comments, made in an interview with TVA on Saturday, sparked criticism from the Liberals, Qubec solidaire and the Parti Qubcois.

"I hope he will be able to detail what he said with specific facts, because normally he would have to denounce it if he was witness to that in his career,'' said Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard, Sunday.

Lafrenire left his job as a spokesperson for the Montreal police service in order to run for the CAQ in theelection.

On Sunday, hewalked back his comments, telling reporters that he was referring to meddling by politicians in general.

He said testimony at the the Chamberlandcommission, which was looking into the police surveillance of journalists, proves his point.

Former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre admitted he called then-police chiefMarc Parent after journalist found out Coderrehad been issued a ticket for an expired licence plate.

"I'm not about to reveal Watergate or something like that," Lafreniresaid, adding he believes there should be a "wall" between politics and police and that he was surprised by the reaction his comments made among the other parties.

Healso took the opportunity tore-emphasizethe CAQ's proposal thatthe head of the province's anti-corruption unit, UPAC, should be selectedthrough a two-thirds vote of the legislature.

CAQLeaderFranoisLegaultsaid his plan willensure neutrality.

"Why [does] the Liberal Party want to choose the UPAC boss alone?''

Currently, the head of UPACis chosen bycabinet after three candidates are recommended by an independent committee.

Couillard defended the current system,saying it was created based on a recommendation from the Charbonneau commission.

"It's not up to the legislature to appoint police officers," he said.

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With files from The Canadian Press