The Lowest Common Denominator - says Dunderdale?

A new concept has been introduced by our Premier.

The lowest common denominator is not new however using it for Board appointments is.

In a CBC report on Monday Premier Kathy Dunderdale defended the skills and experience of four new appointees to the boards of Nalcor and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

In the Telegram today Dunderdale is quoted as saying "it’s not a problem that recent appointees to the Nalcor board have no experience in oil and gas, hydroelectricity or megaprojects."

First of all Premier - which is it? Do they have the experience or not?

Then in defending the lack of experience in the energy sector the Premier added the following: “What qualifies me to be premier of Newfoundland and Labrador?” Dunderdale asked. “What qualifies Dwight Ball or Lorraine Michael?”

That may be a good question for the Premier to ask herself - however in this very real fiasco unfolding before us - her comment is beyond ridiculous.

The people elected you - and you can be summarily dismissed - which I predict will be soon - by booting you out. Not so with the Nalcor appointees (don't be cute with this one - I'll tell you why in the next post).

So basically what the Premier is saying is - I have no qualifications and you elected me - so I will appoint others with no relevant qualifications to the Board of Nalcor.

Premier, are we the people, or experts in the sector, or the Opposition parties permitted to have a question period in the House of Assembly with these new appointees? No? Well they are not the same thing.

However if you should choose to allow this - sign me up.

The Premier has now introduced the lowest common denominator in the equation of appointing people to the Boards of Crown agencies and companies. What might we guess will be the outcome of that?