Responding to allegations by the former Minister of Justice, Marc Bellemare that the Liberal party of Quebec, with the knowledge of the Premier, was involved with influence peddling from the appointment of judges to fund raising, Premier Jean Charest called for a full public inquiry into the allegations while denying any wrongdoing.

The Premier called for a full public inquiry into the allegations of influence peddling aimed at large Liberal party donors who allegedly pressured Bellermare into choosing certain judges for appointment.  He claimed that all of this was done with the knowledge of the Premier.

For his part, Premier Charest said that a public inquiry was necessary in a partisan political environment, as well as to strengthen the public's view of the judicial system while exonerating himself and the Liberal party.  He added that a single person doesn't choose a judge on their own, there is an entire process which ends with the entire caucus deciding if a nominee will be appointed to a judgeship. 

At the moment there has been no evidence presented supporting the accusations of Mr. Bellemare, although they are being taken seriously in Quebec.

Watch Premier Charest comment and answer some questions below: