Will the real interim leader of the Liberal's stand up

It's one thing to promote party unity - it's quite another to place the co-author of the Liberal meltdown as key party spokesperson.

The CBC Morning Show featured a political panel to discuss the goings-on in the world of political resignations and by-elections. Representing the PC's was Ross Reid - Chair of the upcoming election - Nancy Riche - the current President of the NDP in Newfoundland and Labrador - and for the Liberals - John Efford (godfather???).

For a party which was crushed by a racket between Grimes and Efford after Tobin pulled a "I'm taking care of me" disappearing act - hoping to rebuild and bring Liberals back to the fold - the choice is questionable.

One must wonder - where the wisdom is coming from on the oil and gas issues - the fishery - the Lower Churchill development - and now fixed election dates.

I'm not sure how the Liberal policy is being developed - it seems on an ad-hoc what Efford or Dumeresque say on a day to day basis is the way they are going. Between Mercer and Noel - the energy policy is unfolding - always forgetting the Newfoundland and Labrador electorate gave their wisdom on hydro development a thumbs down just three years ago.

"The tent of the Liberal Party is not getting larger" (Danny Dumeresque) but rather is getting smaller as Efford manages who's who for the upcoming election. There will always be Liberals - just as there are PC's who will vote for the party - as the result of political genetics - but the rebuilding required by the Liberals will not happen this time around.

Is there a place in the party for Efford et al - sure there is - but not at the forefront. This is where new faces and new policy should come in - unfortunately this is not to be. The party must be decimated in order for Liberals to gain control of their party once again.

There are plenty of good reasons to give Danny the boot - and the Official Opposition should be making hay and offering alternatives. While I write this post - I am reminded of the one thing that will keep the Liberals back for at least one election - that is the "I'm entitled to my entitlements" mentality that keeps new ideas out and the same old - same old in.

Efford is somewhat a Smallwood - he refuses to let go and that will keep the Liberals out of power until the public is sure that the party has really renewed it's leadership and chosen to let the people back in. Sadly the wisdom in the party is restricted to a very "special" group and it will eliminate any comeback potential until the party suffers a complete defeat.