Article content continued

Indeed, Murray claimed credit for convincing May to consider not running a Green candidate in the byelection.

“I am a voice for people who believe that under the old political ways and our current system their voices do not count,” she told an overflow crowd of about 1,000 Liberals who turned out to hear the six contenders spar one last time.

“And I’m pleased that in Labrador, the majority will get a progressive MP next time, thanks to speaking about co-operation.”

May confirmed that Murray spoke to her last week and “got the issue on my agenda,” although the Greens’ campaign committee and federal council ultimately took the decision based on their own assessment of the need to ensure Penashue’s defeat.

Liberal front-runner Justin Trudeau welcomed the Greens’ decision while pouring scorn on Murray’s co-operation proposal.

“I encourage all members of the Green party to vote for the Liberal party, in Labrador and across the country,” he said.

“The same way I’m going to be encouraging members of the NDP and members of the Bloc (Quebecois) and everyone else to vote for a strong values-based alternative to Mr. Harper, not a hodge-podge that’s about winning at all costs.”

Murray shot back that Trudeau would perpetuate old style “divisive, toxic politics” that disgusts Canadians and discourages them from voting.

“I can tell you millions, millions of Canadians want this to change, they want a new politics, they want us working together.”