NDP Facebook supporters blast Layton over debates

By Mike De Souza and Ben O'Hara Byrne
Canwest News Service

Jack Layton speaks with party supporters on Tuesday. (Bryan Schlosser/Leader-Post)

REGINA - NDP Leader Jack Layton stood his ground Tuesday as he found himself bombarded in an online attack over his refusal to support Green Leader Elizabeth May's participation in the upcoming televised leaders' debates.

The media consortium that's organizing the debates announced Monday that May would not be allowed to participate this year because of warnings from other leaders who said they would not attend if she was present.

"We know that the networks sat down and worked out these rules, cases were made, and they've decided to follow the same rules as last time," Layton said at a campaign breakfast event with former Saskatchewan premier Lorne Calvert.

Layton's political page on the social networking website Facebook has received a barrage of criticism from online users since Monday afternoon, after the media consortium made its announcement.

"It couldn't be more evident that Layton chooses power over principle when he works with the Bloc and Conservative party to get Elizabeth May off the debates," wrote Steve Oliveira, a Facebook user registered in the Toronto network of the website. "What is he afraid of?"

Another user from the Vancouver network expressed a similar reaction to Layton's position. "I am very disappointed at your lack of support for the inclusion of the Green Party of Canada in the leaders' debate," wrote Josue Martinez. "I am a card-carrying member of the NDP and for the first time I am unhappy with one of your decisions. Please rectify this situation."

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has publicly said he doesn't want May to participate. Meanwhile, Layton criticized the Conservative leader over an attack website that featured a bird flying over a static picture of Stephane Dion and dropping its excrement on the Liberal leader's shoulder.

"I think it's childish," Layton said. "I don't think Canadians appreciate this kind of politics. I think it betrays an attitude on the part of the prime minister and his team which should concern all Canadians."

He added that voters wouldn't be sidetracked by the Conservative website and campaign tactics."I don't think Canadians are going to let the real debate be drowned out by cartoons of a childish nature and mean-spirited remarks."

Harper later ordered the ad removed from the Tory website.Layton also criticized Harper's promise to cut the excise tax on diesel fuel, arguing the government revenues should be set aside for green investments.

"We have said excise tax should be invested specifically in solutions such as public transit, and it's very interesting to see Mr. Harper come up with these gimmicks at election time," Layton said.

About 150 New Democratic supporters attended the morning event. Layton is scheduled to host a town-hall meeting in Thunder Bay on Tuesday evening.