Article content

QUEBEC — It was, as François Ouimet puts it, the day the ugly side of politics reared its head.

There he was, a man elected to office way back in 1994, a veteran who had slogged through the bleak years on the opposition benches, quietly going about the thankless task of being the backbencher for the riding of Marquette for almost 25 years.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Analysis: Ouimet's ouster from Liberals reveals ugly side of politics Back to video

He was never a cabinet minister and was not a big speaker, but despite the perilous nature of politics, Ouimet’s record was unblemished to the point he was named deputy Speaker of the House.

Nobody could question his loyalty to his party or devotion to public service. Around the legislature, Ouimet was considered a perfect gentleman well on his way to obtaining a new term in office.

This time, however, he would attain the coveted honorary title of the dean of the legislature.

The election campaign photos were taken, the date for his nomination meeting set for Wednesday of this week. Heck, the crusts had been cut off the sandwiches and the coffee was brewing in the church basement.