Just hours after suggesting that NDP Leader Jack Layton could be an impostor, Gerald Larose, president of the council on sovereignty, apologized for his remarks.

Larose, who had come to a rally in support of the Bloc Quebecois, apparently did little to help the cause as he had to recant some of his harsh remarks made against the New Democratic Party chief Jack Layton on Wednesday.

Larose asked Layton five questions designed to pressure Layton to elaborate specific positions on Quebec.

One dealt with the inclusion of the principle of the Quebec nation within the Canadian constitution.

Larose's other questions related to Bill 101, culture, regional development and immigration.

If Layton failed to answer these five questions clearly before the election, Mr. Layton would have to be considered "an imposter," concluded Mr. Larose.

Mr. Larose also described federal politicians as double-crossers.

A few hours later in the afternoon, Mr. Larose apologized.

Larose, 65, is a former priest and a longtime union leader.