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The Liberals are clamouring for more visibility in Quebec after this week's disappointing by-election results, but they could have done without the most recent outburst from their former lieutenant, Liberal MP Denis Coderre.

Mr. Coderre ended his self-imposed silence this week, stating he still hopes to lead the Liberals one day and proudly boasting that his sensational attack on Toronto Liberals six weeks ago was for the good of the party.

But a number of Liberal MPs, organizers and strategists were unhappy that Mr. Coderre went back to the past controversies. There was particular anger over his analysis of his Sept. 28 resignation as Quebec lieutenant and defence critic, after his choice for a candidate in the Montreal riding of Outremont was overturned.

Mr. Coderre said his attack on Toronto-based officials in the Liberal Party was obviously warranted, given that Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff went on to shake up his office and hire a new chief of staff.

“I sent a clear message regarding certain processes, and three weeks later, Mr. Ignatieff effected a major change in his office,” Mr. Coderre said on the CBC's French-language radio service. “[My resignation] was a draconian move, but it provided an opportunity to Mr. Ignatieff, who seized it.”

A Liberal MP said the comment was not well received in party circles. “Everyone thinks that his comments don't make sense,” the MP said. “He didn't have to pile it on.”

The Liberals slipped badly in the polls after Mr. Coderre's resignation, which highlighted regional splits within the party and weakened Mr. Ignatieff's leadership.

Faced with growing nervousness in his ranks, Mr. Ignatieff shuffled his senior staff, including hiring long-time Liberal Peter Donolo as chief of staff.

However, the Liberals struggled in Monday's by-elections in Nova Scotia, Quebec and British Columbia, finishing third in all four races.

Senior Liberals in Quebec said that instead of going over the shakeup in Mr. Ignatieff's office, Mr. Coderre should have taken some of the blame for the poor performances in two Quebec ridings.

“We weren't ready,” a Liberal strategist said.

However, some Liberals were in agreement over Mr. Coderre's call for “a greater presence” in Quebec.

Mr. Coderre was replaced as the main spokesman in the province by Liberal MP Marc Garneau, but the former astronaut is still working on his communications and media skills.

Mr. Coderre also confirmed that he still harbours the dream of imitating his mentor, Jean Chrétien, and leading the federal Liberals one day. “I have never hidden my ambitions, but life teaches us to be patient,” Mr. Coderre said.

He declined to do other media interviews Thursday.