 Facal was again considered as possible leadership candidate, but he again chose not to run and was still generally regarded as an ally of Marois, who won the leadership on her third attempt.During this period, Facal worked with former cabinet colleague François Legault to propose a new PQ policy agenda focused on economic growth and the more gradual promotion of sovereignty.Facal was one of several public notables, also including Lucien Bouchard, who endorsed the manifesto "Pour un Québec lucide" in October 2005.