An auspicious beginning
So by now, everyone has heard about former Liberal (until this morning) David Emerson becoming Minister of International Trade, and unelected, newly-appointed Senator Michael Fortier getting Public Works.
This is not only bad optics but bad politics. Yesterday, the big story was David Dingwall and his half-a-million-dollar severance package that was agreed to (but not announced) until Saturday - and not by the Paul Martin PMO, but by the non-partisan Privy Council Office, which provides a neutral and professional co-ordinating function for the Prime Minister's Office. (It's supposed to, anyways.)
This Emerson/Fortier mess has chased that right off the front page. Stupid.
And I also have to ask the following: what would the Reform Party have said about these two new Ministers?
You know the answer.
So does Stephen Harper.
posted by Road Hammer @ 7:59 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
This takes the old adage of making unpopular moves early to a whole new level. Less than an hour after being sworn in? That's going to be hard to top.
I was very displeased at first, but after some reflection, I don't think it's as bad as we think.
Some choices make no sense to me (Fortier, Chong?!) and neither do some omissions (Ablonczy, Moore). However, in sum, he picked a very competent group that will minimize the blunders.
The Emerson thing just shows that Harper's got a little F U in him.
The Reform Party would have hated this cabinet, but I have always held that the Conservative Party would eventually become the PC Party circa 1984 and the Reform Party would become a wistful memory. With the appointment of Marjorie LeBreton, I had no idea it would happen so quickly.
One not wonder too hard about the four letter words on the lips of Kenny, Jaffer, Reid, and Hill tonight.
I was a little disappointed to see the guy who gave me my first paying job in politics, Jay Hill, out of Cabinet, but he only has a high school education so perhaps that's why he's not there.
Jaffer is unqualified and can go back to cruising at the Mercury Lounge and Maxwell's unnoticed, which I think suits him just fine.
You guys are nuts. This is a stellar cabinet. The Emerson/Fortier dust up will last about two news cycles and then go away. Harper will be left with a more competent cabinet that is ready for prime time. Who cares about James Moore? Any bilingual with a comb over can be called a "rising star". Bernier is Industry is an inspired choice. The talent from Quebec makes the past Liberal regimes look pathetic. Prentice in Indian Affairs is excellent. Relax guys, Harper is simply showing his disposition towards talent. Both Fortier and Emerson are worth the controversy.
It's not about populism. It's about calling 'bullshit' when you see it.
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