NDP ready to fight N.L election despite federal losses

New Democrats say they're ready to fight a provincial election campaign in Newfoundland and Labrador, despite the loss of two federal seats.

Provincial NDP leader Earle McCurdyadmitted the defeat of Jack Harris and Ryan Cleary is a significant loss.

"They were friends of mine, they weregoodMPs and obviously they'd be great allies on thedoorstep.Having said that we'll charge on," said McCurdyon Tuesday.

"Over the years I've seen the Conservatives reduced to two MPs. I remember our party was reduced to nine. The Liberals last time were virtually wiped out, and in all cases the parties bounced back," he added."So politics is a bit of a roller-coaster ride."

McCurdysaid theprovincial election will be fought on different issues.

"And wedon't have the Harper factor there. We don't have someone with that vicious, divisive, mean-spirited nature," he said.

In McCurdy's opinion,voters in the provincedon't have to be strategic to defeatthe current Progressive Conservative government, who he described as "having no life left."But he says they should think twice about putting more Liberals in power.

"We do have a government that's on its last legs, very tired, and there's a clear mood for change in the province. I think that everybody will have to consider the questionin light of the Liberals sweeping all 32 seats in AtlanticCanada."

"Who's going to hold the federal Liberal government's feet to the fire?"

As towhether Harris or Cleary might run provincially, he said it's far too early to ask.