August 26, 2004

OTTAWA - A day after calling Americans a "coalition of idiots," Ontario member of Parliament Carolyn Parrish said a request from the prime minister hasn't persuaded her to withdraw the controversial comment.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Paul Martin said he told the Ontario MP on Wednesday that her comments, made in reference to the U.S. missile-defence system, were not welcome.

"I told her her statements were not acceptable, they should be withdrawn, and she has colleagues who feel strongly about this issue on both sides," said Martin.

Parrish said although she has incredible respect for the prime minister, she will let her comments stand.

"I gave it a lot of thought, but I won't be withdrawing," said Parrish.

She said she's sticking by the dictionary definition of the word 'idiot,' meaning ignorance and lack of knowledge.

However, two cabinet ministers weighed in on the issue, saying Parrish was wrong.

Defence Minister Bill Graham said he would prefer the missile defence debate be kept to a civilized discussion.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Judy Sgro said, "I think she should have kept her mouth shut."

Parrish said she doesn't agree with Sgro's advice.

"Keep my mouth shut? That's not what 28,000 people in my riding elected me to do," said Parrish.

Parrish told reporters on Wednesday that she does not believe Canada should participate in U.S. President George W. Bush's missile-defence program.

"We are not joining a coalition of the idiots," she said. "We are joining a coalition of the wise."

The government has entered into exploratory talks with the U.S. over participation in the controversial program, which would build a system to shoot down missiles entering North American airspace.