The recent fissures in the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador are very revealing about the supposed coronation of Dr. Andrew Furey as party leader.
It is a facet of back room politics that it is out of touch with the concerns and realities of the lives of citizens. It is focused not on policy or addressing the suffering of the people, for example, but rather on how to orchestrate political ambition by operating the mechanisms of the political in order to secure the will of power brokers.
You can imagine how such orchestration might work. A beleaguered government, an expensive entrance fee, a crown prince magically waiting in the wings, a conveniently timed inquiry and report, a reference to the legal system, perhaps a snap election to ensure legitimacy.
But, as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men, and political insiders ….
Just when it seemed that the Liberal party had followed the Liberal government of the province in shredding its integrity beyond healing, three party stalwarts, John Abbot, Vera Barbour, Rodney Mercer, and as many as four members of the House of Assembly speak their minds with independence and conscience. And their common refrain is that it is unconscionable to hold a leadership race at a time when the people of the province are experiencing an enemy unlike any we have faced in our lifetime.
To anyone with eyes to see this was a clear test of leadership, of putting the public good before personal ambition.
Older citizens might shudder at memories of disease, of economic collapse, of war, of widespread fear, even panic. Younger Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have never known this degree of instability, this degree of alarm, this possibility of want. Recent generations have not faced the peril of depression or of war. Our citizens need the full attention of the governing party at this precise moment.
And yet the money changers in the back room pushed on with blind will and purpose, indifferent to the focus and compassion required during this crisis. Once again showing that he is out of touch, cabinet minister Gerry Byrne stated that if the leadership race can be held it should be held; further evidence that he does not know the difference between what can be done and what should be done.
I commend those individuals in the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador for their courageous stance against the unelected and undemocratic machinations of the liberal back room.
Finally, Andrew. Furey has been forced by public opinion to show great “adaptability” and “agility” in his campaign.
To anyone with eyes to see this was a clear test of leadership, of putting the public good before personal ambition.
And we have clearly seen that politically he is more inclined to follow than to lead.
Physician heal thyself.
David Peddle,
Corner Brook
