QUEBEC CITY - MNAs who walked out on the PQ were unimpressed by the vow of loyalty expressed by their former colleagues Thursday.

Jean-Aussant reminded people that things change fast in politics. "Rumours of defections are swirling as these very oaths of allegiance are being spoken," he said.

Fellow PQ defector Benoit Charette pointed out that some PQ loyalists, including Claude Cousineau, will spend the summer rethinking their positions, which could change things.

"I've heard that other MNAs are considering their positions but I can't say how," said Charette who, unlike the other defectors, wants a slow-go on separatism. "Is it because they can relate to what I expressed or what the other four said earlier?"

Claude Cousineau attempted to quell rumors of that he might also quit the PQ by issuing a statement in which he denied any intention to join a François Legault-led party. Cousineau reaffirmed his confidence in the PQ, without naming its leader by name.

PQ leader Pauline Marois tried to quell the crisis that saw five members leave Thursday by asking members if they were ready to promote the party with her. She said that they all confirmed that they were up for it at a special meeting on Wednesday.

Aussant had suggested that he might form a new separatist party and on Thursday he said everything is possible, except rejoining the PQ under Marois.

"I will discuss with and meet a lot of activists and people who want to commit to sovereignty," he said.

Meanwhile Benoit Charette said he had no intention of raiding the ranks of the PQ for Legault. He said there seems to be little tendency for others to quit the PQ to join Legault.

Charette said he had recently received encouragement from Liberal MPs since his resignation, because Legault is not committed to separatism.

"The referendum truce is a theme that seems to attract more and more people," said Charette. "I received encouragement from Liberal MPs since Tuesday. I will not name them."

PQ MNAs questioned the legitimacy of their former colleagues sitting as independents, arguing that they should face re-election.

Aussant offered the opposite view. "Nicolet did not vote for the PQ. Voters didn't vote for a logo. It was I who helped the PQ return to Nicolet."

Louise Beaudoin argued that she has every right to continue in her role as MNA for Rosemont as an independent. She compared her situation to that of Lucien Bouchard, who left Conservative ranks to sit as an independent before forming the Bloc Quebecois in Ottawa.

"I have as much legitimacy as Lucien Bouchard," she said.

Two other former PQ to serve as independent, Pierre Curzi and Lisette Lapointe, chose not comment.