MONTREAL - NDP Leader Jack Layton is defending some of his party's newly elected MPs who have come under attack for being young and with little or no experience in politics.
Layton told the popular Quebec talk show "Tout le monde en parle" that young people who want to get involved in politics should be given a chance.
Layton says he understands he has a responsibility to make sure Quebec is represented in the House of Commons and will work to improve the language rights of Quebecers.
The new leader of the Official Opposition is just coming off a stunning breakthrough in the province that saw his party jump from one seat to 58.
But his party has faced embarrassing questions about the inexperience of its candidates since last Monday's vote -- and about whether its success in Quebec is actually good for Canadian unity.
His popularity in the province jumped following an appearance on the talk show earlier in the campaign.
