Having had a chance to reflect over night on yesterday's cabinet shuffle, I can now officially conclude that I am disappointed.
If the shuffle indicated anything it's that the government plans to continue drifting aimlessly to the Left, at least on fiscal matters. Jim Flaherty is still at Finance, Jim Prentice is now Industry Minister, and the only true small "c" conservative in cabinet, Maxime Bernier, is out of the country on the Embassy circuit.
That's disappointing, but hardly surprising.
For other reactions to the shuffle, see here, here and here maybe here.
Not sure if MacKay's French is better than O'Connor's, but Harper should have paid attention to this article from The Economist called "The Politics of War."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9621438
At least, MacKay's able to speak spin better than O'Connor.
This will be a true test for Mackay as many tories still see him as an insincere small c conservative (regardless of his voting record) for his years of silence while under PC leader Joe Clark.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt the Defense portfolio will be a critical one for this government as I expect the Liberals and the NDP to step up their attacks on the war in Afghanistan after the second round of by-elections in Ontario (post throne speech). Who knows, if Bob Rae gets elected in Toronto Centre, he just may end up as a barking dog against Mackay? (that's if Dion wants to take the shine off the golden boy)
In response to previous comments
ReplyDeleteTraditionally when it comes to "tests", Mr. MacKay not only fails. He often doesn't even show up...
There is very little shine to the "golden boy" in his home province... let me assure you.
Oh sorry. I didn't explain myself very well, did I?
ReplyDeleteI meant, if Dion wants to take the shine off of a leadership contender like Rae (once he enters parliament), it would be best for him to put the former Ontario premier into a portfolio that he is very uncomfortable with. It's all just speculation, but defense (or critic) is uncharted waters for any provincial premier, especially one that used to lead a socialist party.
Although, the finance critic role would be just as challenging for good ol' Bob. ;-)
Thanks for the explanation, nb taxpayer.
ReplyDeleteI also notice that the Canadian punditocracy is predicting that the rise and/or fall of the CPC is dependent on MacKay's performance in Defence.
Here's my diagnosis:
Abandon hope all ye enter here!
Maybe Nicholls' "None of the Above" Party will actually be the winner of the next election.
lol...
ReplyDeleteAt least, MacKay will have the respect of the troops -- well, those that have heard of him anyways. Check out this story:
http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=43266&sc=93
I've never understood how anyone has any respect for McKay after he broke his agreement with David Orchard. The only honourable thing McKay could have done after that fiasco would have been to fall on his sword and leave politics. It's hard to find a more glaring example of dishonesty. I'm puzzled why the media seems to have forgotten about this.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.davidorchard.com/online/campaign-2003/orchard-mckay.html
Hey, perhaps hatred of Peter MacKay could be the new unifying feature for the Conservative Party of Canada...
ReplyDeleteEver notice how many folks that "Peter the Good" has personally driven to the other side... Belinda Stronach, Scott Brison, David Orchard, Bill Casey, me... Need I say more!
Its pretty easy when you have zero respect for David Orchard.
ReplyDelete