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MONTREAL — Denis Coderre’s arrival in municipal politics wound up being crafted in the image of the man himself — destined to get attention.

It ended with one injury, two arrests, and much heckling.

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The surreal scene was certainly not the one Coderre would have scripted but it achieved a feat he has pursued, and achieved repeatedly, in a colourful political career: lots of media coverage.

The longtime federal politician had to deal with booing protesters who sought to sabotage an event where he announced he’s leaving Ottawa for a Montreal mayoral bid.

Thursday’s announcement had been planned for months. Coderre chose the picturesque square in front of city hall to declare his entry into municipal politics.

But the backdrop wasn’t what he’d planned.

Behind him were protesters, some of whom held up signs demanding social housing. A couple of the protesters were wearing masks and sunglasses.