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Pierre Saint-Arnaud, The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, March 17, 2015 3:16PM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, March 17, 2015 4:42PM EDT

MONTREAL -- NDP Leader Tom Mulcair is reiterating his openness to a possible coalition with the Liberals if it is necessary to topple Stephen Harper's Conservatives.

While expressing confidence he will become prime minister with a majority government, Mulcair told reporters Tuesday the scenario of a minority government cannot be excluded and that turfing the Tories is imperative.

The Opposition leader accused his Liberal counterpart, Justin Trudeau, of putting personal interests ahead of those of Canadians.

Trudeau has repeatedly stated he's not interested in discussing coalitions.

"Whenever we have opened that door, Justin Trudeau slams it shut," Mulcair said in Montreal. "My first priority is to get rid of Stephen Harper. The first priority of Justin Trudeau is Justin Trudeau."

The NDP leader said this year's election should be a three-way battle from the outset, paving the way for a social democratic government.

But if the Tories were to return, Mulcair has said a post-election alliance with the Liberals could be necessary.

A few years ago, when Liberal fortunes were plummeting, it was Mulcair who categorically ruled out a coalition.

In February 2014, Mulcair suggested his 2012 comments were intended to indicate only that he wouldn't agree to any form of electoral co-operation with the Liberals during an election.

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Mulcair remains open to Liberal alliance to knock out Tories