Saying she's no longer comfortable with partisan politics, Rebecca Finch has resigned from the federal Liberal party.

Finch, a graphics and web designer and on-line magazine publisher, ran for the Liberals in Dufferin — Caledon in the October federal election, where she finished second to Conservative incumbent David Tilson.

She e-mailed the reasons for her resignation to fellow members of the Dufferin — Caledon Federal Liberal Association (DCFLA), but what was supposed to be an internal memo was leaked to the local media.

"I have come to the conclusion that partisanship is an inclusive, destructive force," Finch said in the email, "and the party's perception that the average person is too stupid and too undeserving to understand what (the Liberal Party) is really doing, has pushed my patience to the limit."

In an interview, she clarified her e-mail remarks

"My experience has been that partisanship and playing politics not only distracts from the responsibility of good governance that citizens elect their politicians to do," she added. "It divides people along party lines and creates an abyss between ideologies where there might have otherwise been an opportunity for them to work together for the betterment of Canada."

She added that she is not advocating wholesale changes to Canada's current party system.

"I do, however, believe that the Parliamentary system we have in Canada has a lot of wiggle room for people to approach politics in a less partisan, more efficient manner."

DCFLA president Jeff May told this paper that, under Michael Ignatieff, the Liberal party is opening up to new ideas and ways of doing things. He alluded to what he thought were two very high-profile initiatives dealing with Liberal party renewal and internal change.

"Every member of the party is being asked to contribute their ideas," said May. "There are new online discussion forums where policy ideas are being discussed by every member of the party. Town hall meetings are currently touring across the country for members to attend and contribute ideas.

"These are heady and exciting times for the Liberal Party," he added.

He also praised the effort Finch has put toward the local Liberals.

"Rebecca brought creativity, dynamism, and the ability to engage individuals in thoughtful debate to the (DCFLA)."

Finch pointed out that her criticisms in the internal email memo, in no way reflected on the DCFLA or the riding of Dufferin — Caledon. "I did not have any negative experiences with the local riding association I ran to represent, nor with anyone else in the riding," she said.

"I do not regret anything about my candidacy in Dufferin — Caledon, including moving here. I intend to remain and do whatever I can for the good of the people of this riding that I have grown to love."