The next provincial election is scheduled for Tuesday
October 13, 2015.
That is a long way off.
The Progressive Conservatives are in perpetual campaign
mode. They are operating under a take no prisoners approach, often more
effective on the attack than either of the opposition parties. The Liberals, who held on to the role of
official opposition by a hair, are in renewal mode. The New Democrats are adjusting to their new
found position.

To put it all in perspective, Businessman Danny Williams
announced his intention to become leader of the fledgling Progressive
Conservative Party in 2000. He became leader in April of 2001. He was in the
House of Assembly representing Humber West by June. He spent the next two years
rebuilding, recruiting, fundraising and preparing for the election.
My point is that whoever takes the job, they need the time
to organize, build a profile, recruit, fundraise and resuscitate those
hibernating Liberals.

This is going to take a new type of leadership. Although the
NDP were able to make great headway, electing one rural member, and nearly
electing two others, they need to close the deal and deliver MHAs from all
across the rural landscape if they hope to form a government, or seize the
official opposition. That is going to take a person who knows, understands and
preferably is from rural Newfoundland and Labrador. That person also needs to acceptable and
electable in St. John’s.
A couple of people come to mind. Time will tell what the outcome of the transition
from the capable hands of Loraine Micheal to the unknown will produce.

The other big advantage the PC’s have is that they will probably
be the last of the three parties to renew the top job. They will have the
advantage of selecting someone to balance the strengths and weaknesses of the
new NDP and Liberal leaders.
The party needs some new blood, some vision and a leader
with zest, charisma & integrity. That is a tall order for a party that has
been in power for three terms. That said
there are plenty of eager beavers in the backbench that want the job. Folks
like David Brazil, Keith Hutchings, perennial boy scout Steve Kent, Derick
Dalley, Paul Davis and Charlene Johnson will all undoubtedly hear the call. The
question is, who will be chosen?
It should make for an interesting couple of years on the
local political front.
1 comment:
Many THINK they are called ...but it was really a wrong number.
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