MONTREAL - Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois says she's confident things will finally settle down after another stormy week under her leadership.

Marois took part in a pro-independence rally today in Montreal organized by a network of sovereigntist groups.

She says she feels a renewed sense of optimism after meeting with so many Quebecers who believe in the sovereigntist cause.

There was speculation earlier in the week that Marois would be forced out of her party's top post.

The PQ caucus gathered twice on Wednesday to discuss her leadership.

But she emerged late in the day to say she will lead the party into the next election.

There is some concern within party ranks that despite Premier Jean Charest's unpopularity and a string of scandals, the Liberal government is still ahead of the PQ in the polls.