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Q:There was nothing that provoked it. Is it just that you went on for too long?

A:Maybe, but the leader of the opposition before me would talk for an hour. In May, that was the longest I’ve spoken. But I should have the chance to speak the way I want to speak. I respect everybody, French and English.

Q:Why is it important to speak half English, half French when Longueuil is predominantly French speaking, and even anglophones would probably understand what you said in French?

A:I am the borough president of Greenfield Park in which we have bilingual status, so whatever goes on, I think it’s important that the citizens of Greenfield Park understand. You know as well as I do, everyone says they understand a bit of French, but a lot of people don’t understand the jargon of the political scene. I think it’s important that I can speak in French and in English, so that everyone can understand me.

Q:How are your constituents reacting?

A:Greenfield Park is happy that I’m doing this. A lot of the anglophones, even some francophones, are backing me up. They’re saying, ‘Bob it should be bilingual.’ A lot of French Canadians moved to Greenfield Park so their children would have a chance to play with anglophone children when they were growing up. It made it easier for them to understand the language before they even went to school. Greenfield Park is a great community. We have our bilingual status and everyone gets along with everybody, and we don’t need this. I don’t know if it’s because St. Jean Baptiste Day is coming up and the federal election is coming up for the Bloc Québécois, I have no idea. Maybe (the mayor) is just p–sed off because I speak too much English, I don’t know.