To avoid gaffes, Couillard's beard to fill in for Couillard for rest of campaign

LAVAL -- In a move designed to minimize the Liberals' chances of losing its large lead in the polls, Philippe Couillard will be represented only by his beard for the remaining two days of the campaign.

Couillard's beard has been remarkably consistent throughout the campaign, while Couillard himself has committed several gaffes and reversed his position on several issues.  Polls have found Couillard's beard to be most trustworthy among voters on the issues of education, transport and the environment.

PQ critics have accused Couillard of hiding behind his beard at seeveral points during the campaign, particularly during the TVA debate where the Liberal leader's facial hair was found to be much more interesting for viewers than Couillard himself.