QUEBEC — The disintegration of the once-mighty Action democratique du Quebec is gathering speed.
The right-wing, third-place provincial party has suddenly lost one-third of its caucus.
Two of the party’s remaining six elected members have announced they will sit as Independents.
They include Eric Caire, who recently came in second in the party’s leadership race, and colleague Marc Picard.
The recent paper-thin leadership victory of Gilles Taillon is coming under increased scrutiny, with reports of campaign irregularities.
The defectors say they will not join another party, and will remain Independents in the legislature.
Just recently, the ADQ had close ties to the federal Harper government and was considered a serious contender for power.
But a disastrous election result led to the departure of longtime leader Mario Dumont last year, and now the party is left without a household name.