
The first sitting of the 47th General Assembly of the House of Assembly wrapped-up one of the longest sittings in recent memory yesterday. MHA's sat for 52 days!
It was a poor session for the government whose slide in the public opinion polls has been buttressed by the poor showing of the Official Opposition. It is clear, that given a viable option, the Progressive Conservatives could be in quite a bit of trouble.
The big winner, the NDP, who continue to grow in terms of public support and validity as the de-facto opposition in the province, if not the only viable alternative to the governing Progressive Conservatives.

Over the session a few people shone.

The top tory, by a stretch, Premier in waiting, Fisheries Minister, Deputy House Leader, Darin King. Yes, I have been a bit rough on him for his arrogance over the past six months, but he clearly has the confidence of the P.C. caucus as the successor to the throne. King is the person to beat.



PC MHA & Deputy Chair of Committees Steve Kent. The top party propagandist received rave reviews, from all parties, for his performance in the Speaker's Chair over the session. The Mount Pearl MHA earned lots of respect for his impartiality and fairness.
The unflappable St. Barbe MHA, Liberal Jim Bennett is Opposition Critic for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Innovation, Business and Rural Development & Chair of the Public Accounts Committee. The rookie MHA has burned out a couple of fax machines since being elected. Hardworking, dogged and focused, Jim is the great white shark of the Legislature. I can not wait to see what he does with the public accounts committee!
St. John's NDP, MHA George Murphy. The most recognized name in provincial politics, The NDP critic for Municipal Affairs, Environment and Conservation and Transportation and Works showed a maturity, focus and depth that made him one this session's top performers.
With a bunch of PC's getting ready to retire, the legislature could be quite a different place come next March.
I have to keep in mind that this was just the first session of a potential six before the next general election rolls around.
A day in politics is like a year. Anything can happen, a lot can change.
There are a few certainties. The Liberals desperately need a charismatic leader if they are going to get back in the game; The Progressive Conservatives know that Dunderdale is a one term Premier - the race is on to replace her; and the NDP are facing an inevitable leadership race at a crucial time. Tick-Tock!
Politics is never dull on the rock!
5 comments:
Steve Kent? George Murphy? Jim Bennett? Darin King: Premier-in-Waiting? Are you joking? We mustn't have been watching the same legislature.
Top six all males???? Do agree the Liberals need a charismatic leader, that for sure....As for Kirby as leader of NDP do not see it, his performance in the House was not inspiring, he seems to be to sure of himself.
PETER
YOU SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED A FEW WOMEN TO PROVIDE SOME BALANCE.
Oh cripes, female inclusion quota's are alive and well on the blogosphere.
Where's Dwight Ball here? lol
The man has the charisma of a piece of wet cardboard. I'd say he is just keeping the seat warm for Dean. Dean may be a lock for the party's leadership, but he ain't no lock for Premier with the surging NDP and his own lacking common touch and ability as a politician.
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