Premier Danny Williams announces he is stepping down

geeze

- November 26, 2010 at 23:32:29

Aug.4th of this year I had an appointment with a specialist at the Health Science Complex in St. John's. It was a beautiful day so I decided to wait outside until it was time to see the doctor and was just enjoying sitting and watching all the people go by when Premier Williams walks by. As he walked by he greeted people and I noticed he was all alone ...no body guards like some of the past premiers I won't mention here and looking very comfortable in his surroundings.And then It hit me! No big ego here! He IS one of us! I had placed this gentleman on a pedestal from the first time I voted for him and that is not where he wants to be! This man is a fighter who loves this province and its people so much that he gave his all to lead us to be the best that we can be ! When I heard the breaking news yesterday that he was stepping down as premier Dec. 3 I felt like someone had kicked me in the " guts" Then I realized how selfish I was being. Now is his time to enjoy his life and his family. It is now up to each and everyone of us to carry on and make HIM PROUD of US!! All the best Mr. Williams. I have Always been a proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian but your leadership has made me hold my head a little higher!!!

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Brad

- November 26, 2010 at 12:38:32

Of course his mother and the brown nosers are going to commend him. The ambulance chasers and the other barnacles on the Premiers backside have made quite a living for themselves over the years, thanks to being Danny's buddy. I agree he did good for NL, but nowhere near as people think. If oil were still below $50 a barrel we wouldn't be so well off, and our offshore production has peaked and is now on a downslide. I guess everyone can blame the next Premier for less royalties because of dwindling oil resources. Danny went out on top alright, but he left alot of crap behind for someone else to cleanup.

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Too Funny

- November 26, 2010 at 12:26:26

Wow, who pi$$ed in this Danny-hater's breakfast.

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Ron

- November 26, 2010 at 12:26:12

It sure sounds like Scott Free is a very sore winner and looser like all Liberals, Danny just helped the people of Nfld and didn't sell the Province down the drain like Joe did. He didn't fill his own pockets and those of his friends like the Liberals did in Ottawa.

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Culture at what cost?

- November 26, 2010 at 11:14:31

danny Williams put millions of taxpayer dollars into helping produce Newfoundland TV and movies. The opinions of Mr. Hawco and Mr. Pope have been paid for with our tax dollars. The province will not see one dime of the residuals or DVD profits, only the producers.

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Scott Free

- November 26, 2010 at 10:22:17

Here’s a recap and history lesson for the Tory blind faithful and Danny worshippers. First, let’s clearly identify the three main factors that worked in Dan’s favour and which highlight the timeliness of his good fortune. Our premier can’t take credit for our prosperity as it’s out of his control; he was simply the benefactor of good timing. Global oil prices which propped up our local economy. A minority Federal Government in Ottawa, which gave NL more leverage than normal in re-negotiating benefits in the Atlantic Accord. The thousands of Newfoundlanders who are bringing home hefty Alberta turnaround wages, and spending locally which drives our economy. While it can be argued that Danny’s efforts and negotiating skills helped deliver a better package from the Feds, and maybe so; however, his constant bashing of Ottawa has cost us untold billions in other potential partnerships and opportunities. Which leads us to his self-professed legacy, “the Muskrat Falls” no-deal. This is nothing more than an MOU; a written handshake to agree to discuss the parameters of a future potential deal. But, having no rapport whatsoever with Ottawa and no financial commitment, he has nothing; not to mention no lands claim deal with the Innu and no environmental assessment. No wonder he has decided to quit now rather than try to defend the indefensible in the House. Danny doesn’t want questions put to him; we are supposed to do as his puppet cabinet does and accept fully what he says with no questions asked. And, if you happen to ask, then you are somehow a traitor to NL! I will give him credit for one positive action during his tenure; he rid us of a few thieves who were stealing from all of us in the constituency spending scandal. For those of you with short memories, he’s a reminder list of some of his failings. Forced legislation to public service workers; have all the bleating sheep working in the Confederation building forgotten “when the cows come home”? The health care is in a mess and his conflict with doctors and specialists will cause pain and suffering for years to come. Minister Kennedy has all but scuttled any chance of a favourable outcome on this issue. His heavy handedness is second only to Danny’s dictatorial behaviour. Good luck with that. The banishment of those opposed to his views, from former ministers to caucus, ie: Marshall, Manning & Rideout; to a number of behind the scenes managers, who were turfed out for not sharing Dan’s vision; to reprimands to teachers for speaking out; and on and on to unusual and sudden resignations by MHA’s such as Taylor and Oram and demotions and relegation to the back benches of others, ie: Osbourne, Wiseman. The loss of Dr. Eddy Campbell @ MUN and the political interference in the selection process for his replacement which severely shook its credibility and autonomy. To top it off, hand picked Danny supporters replacing contra-minded on the Board of Regents. The $15M fibre-optic cable plum given to his buddies in an untendered and unsolicited bid. His total distain and lack of interest in the fishing industry. The closure of Stephenville mill on Danny’s watch. The Abitibi expropriation fiasco; which will see hundreds of millions in loses mounting. The polluter pays huh, Interim Premier Dunderdale? Good luck with that. The Quebec Innu hunters slaughter of the George River Herd; and nothing done to prevent it from happening again this year; no prosecution to the fullest extent of the law as promised by Minister Johnston. Good luck with that. The loss of oil industry engineering expertise to other countries due to Danny’s inability to compromise and manifest dealings; it has to be all his way or no way. The closure of the School for the Deaf. As you can clearly see, the list of negatives and losses far outweigh the value of Dan’s good timing and on a “go forward basis”, the future is bleak. Imagine the first trip to Ottawa by Interim Premier Dunderdale as she reaches out to greet Prime Minister Harper. “Steve, you remember me don’t you; I’m the same Deputy PC Premier who campaigned door to door for Liberal candidates in the last Federal election in Danny’s ABC campaign; can we talk? We need billions from you to deliver on Dan’s legacy; can we count on your support? Good luck with that.

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  jargey3000

  - November 26, 2010 at 12:13:19

  I remember where I was when Kennedy was assasinated. I remember where I was when I heard about "9/11". And, I think I'm going to rember where I was yesterday morning when a friend told me that Danny was about to resign. There - does that put it in perspective? "But come ye back when summer's in the meadow Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow 'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, (we) love you so."