The quest for the Premier’s chair has been a bit of a
lackluster affair, thus far.
How lackluster?
It is not a great sign that the closure of nominations rates
the third spot on the evening newscasts behind the resignation of a CFA from as
Executive Director of the Eastern Health Care Board and a flap about topless
photo’s from a publicity stunt on George Street.
We are talking about the next leader of our province!
The
single most important job in the land and there is not enough excitement
to rate the top flap of the newspaper or the lead news story on TV!
Even than, the focus was on accusations that the selection process is flawed and ring-fenced around the coronation of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador Board member, Frank Coleman. Bill Barry and Wayne Bennett are crying foul
Frankly, they need to wake-up, neither one of these
candidates has the experience or support to lead the Conservatives, let alone
the province. Barry is a polarizing
figure that has done nothing to earn support from the party. In fact, his rants
against the policies of the party has exposed him as a right wing radical that
might have been comfortable in the old Federal Reform Party. Bill Barry is
isolated, his campaign radiates a “Small town
cheap” feel.
Bennett should add some color. It is the former Newfoundland
and Labrador Party Leader’s money to burn. He is obviously in the race to be mischievous, not win!
The leadership is an open process. It is great that there
will be a few months of exposure for Coleman. The voters and Progressive
Conservatives will have time to get to know the Corner Brook businessman before
he becomes the premier.
What does it say about the Progressive Conservative Caucus
that not one current or former member was prepared to file papers for the job?
I was really looking forward to Steve Kent entering the race. He would have
brought a great deal of substance in terms of policy and discussions. He, like every one else is the PC Party is on
the Coleman bandwagon.
A competitive process with a healthy discussion about
reforming, refocusing and renewing the party would have gone a long way towards
shaking the image of an arrogant, secretive and controlling inner circle of power brokers that hold self-preservation over the good of the party or the
province.
In the meantime, the province will hold it’s breath in
anticipation of Frank Coleman’s coming out party on Tuesday!
Set the alarm, the leadership will be transferred to the
anointed one on July 5th.
That will be followed by Tom Marshall’s
abdication of the Humber East Seat to allow Coleman to become Premier.
New Energy? Perhaps
Old Shenanigans? You decide.
1 comment:
Sounds like you've already handed the Premier's chair to Coleman. Does no one remember how things turned out the last time Danny Williams anointed the party leader?
This has not been an open process, and the reason none of the "insiders" like Steve Kent or Darren King are running is because they weren't permitted to. For Frank Coleman to wait until virtually the last minute to announce his candidacy, makes me believe he was dragged kicking and screaming into the race. Once again for the PC leadership....the fix is in
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