ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams says he's expecting 11 months of gutter politics in his province.
Speaking at the annual premier's dinner on Thursday night, Williams said the run up to next October's provincial election will likely not be pretty.
He pointed to disclosure of a recent email from Liberal communications director Craig Westcott that questioned Williams's mental faculties.
The premier said there was no place for that kind of thing in politics.
"You need to put yourself in the shoes of someone whose grandchild says 'What's that all about poppy? Why are they saying that?," said Williams.
"That's when it hits home."
A defiant Williams said he is often accused of being a bully, but added he makes no apologies for standing up for his province against those who would take advantage.
"I would rather live one more day as a lion than 10 years as a jellyfish," he said to applause.
"I'm going to take each and every one of them on whenever I can."
Williams took shots at several national media outlets, especially the Globe and Mail and the National Post newspapers, for their reporting on his leadership.
He said when he takes a stand on behalf of his province the coverage is very different from that given counterparts like Brad Wall of Saskatchewan.
Wall has been waging a very public fight to prevent the takeover of his province's potash industry.
