The unelected Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Kathy Dunderdale says former Premier Danny Williams will not define her.
The invisible (barring quaint photo-ops) leader has gone out of her way to have exactly what she is protesting against. Ms. Dunderdale has not had one original thought since taking office. In fact the Premier is absolutely running on Danny Williams extended coat-tails.
The management of this PC campaign are clearly of the opinion that as Tony the Tory calls it "quiet" representation by this Premier is the only way to go. Why is that? Kathy Dunderdale is unable or unwilling to enter into discourse on the significant issues in our province today.
Today the Premier is being defined by Ministers who are doing a poor job in justifying the arrogant and dismissive approach by government toward citizens of the province. Despite comments made by Williams, Dunderdale finds herself hard pressed not to be defined by him. The truth is the Premier is hiding and wants you and I to elect her based on her record. What record? Danny's record.
The Premier has not played a leadership role on any of the key issues in the province today - choosing instead to have others speak for her. Be it Muskrat Falls, Pharmacy, the Fishery, CETA, or rural decimation - the Premier is not showing us her vision.
No doubt the Blue Book is coming, controlled, contrived, careful and steady as she goes. Money will be thrown at advertising, spin, paid employment opportunities, and image - this does not replace the natural qualities of a leader. Ms. Dunderdale was and is an interim leader - she is not the choice of the party - as the party had no choice. This in part was due to the wannabes being subdued by gutlessness or design. By design would mean the party expects the voters to elect another PC government based on the continued popularity of the former Premier. This also means the knives will be out within one month of the election - should the Tories win.
The debates are going to present a real problem for the Premier - for no matter how hard the handlers try Ms. Dunderdale cannot be managed LIVE.
So if Kathy Dunderdale wants to be defined by somebody other than Williams, Kennedy, Marshall, and King then she had better show up to something other than photo-ops and the blatant abuse of cheque giving witnessed last month. The convenient resignations of senior officials such as Ross Reid and Len Simms to run a political campaign also demonstrates that Dunderdale is weak and is following the Williams tactics.
If the only thing Dunderdale can point to is the change in the relationship with Stephen Harper - then shame on her. That newly minted friendship has cost us and will cost us dearly. This Premier is so weak that the promise of a loan guarantee has come with so many giveaways - generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will curse her leadership for decades.
1 comment:
I truly believe we can give former Premier Danny Williams the accolades of having appointed a true Dictator to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
I am starting to wonder if Williams and Dunderdale really are on the outs with each other or is this a smoke screen to ensure that the current Muskrat Falls Contract comes to fruition without the people of Newfoundland and Labrador's blessing????
Post a Comment