Easter lobbied for interim Liberal leader

P.E.I. MP Wayne Easter is considering a lobby to make him interim leader of the federal Liberal Party, even though he ruled himself out earlier this week because he doesn't speak French.

Some Liberals in Ottawa are circulating a document headlined "Ten Reasons," which lists why the Malpeque MP would be a good candidate following the resounding defeat of leader Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals in Monday's election.

Globe and Mail columnist Jane Taber adds that Easter is "a feisty debater in the Commons who is known to yell a lot. But he is progressive, has cabinet experience and comes from a rural background."

Easter said he's honoured to be mentioned, adding that the position would be a huge responsibility.

"How do we get a foundation under the party again, both at the constituency level, do our work in Parliament, be able to manage our constituency affairs and build the party to be an alternate to the government once again. That's a big job."

Easter said while he doesn't speak French, neither do other contenders such as Ralph Goodale.

Easter has represented Malpeque since 1993. He served as solicitor general from October 2002 to December 2003. During the last Parliament, he was agriculture critic.

The Liberal caucus is expected to decide on an interim leader next week.

A leadership campaign will likely be held sometime over the next year or two.