The Federal Election: Damned If We Do.....

A CBC story on a possible federal Tory comeback in Newfoundland and Labrador is generating some discussion and debate on their website on who should form the next federal government. Much of the debate is focusing on personalities - or lack thereof – and not on policy. But that’s typical of politics everywhere.

Voters in this province are in a peculiar predicament when it comes to federal politics. Many would like to see another minority government since it makes all parties more accountable. Lets face it, if either party had a majority, they would implement their own policies and agendas without fear of retribution at the polls or surviving a non-confidence vote that would bring their government crashing down. As it stands now, the neo-cons have to tread lightly. And that’s a good thing. I often wonder what they would do if they had a majority. One thing is certain, we would see spending cuts and reduction in social programs as they try to reign in the huge deficit. As a minority government, they won’t do so fearing a backlash from the electorate.

And what would the Liberals under Iggy do? A return to the free spending deficit-inducing, scandal ridden days synonymous with governments of Liberals past? That’s an uncertainty many Canadians are not willing to take a chance on. Throw in the fact that both Harper and Ignatnieff have little personal popularity - neither come across as charismatic leaders - and it’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t scenario.

As for these those running or thinking about running in this province - be careful what you wish for. There’s no denying many Liberals were swept in during the last election because of he ABC campaign. Coady and Simms Andrews are two that come to mind. A lot of talk, but little substance. (Coady has to be the fakest person I have ever met.) Sullivan and Manning will be viewed by many as traitors, but both are popular in their districts.

As strange as it sounds, with Williams out provincially, the federal political landscape is bound to change. Let’s just hope that regardless of who forms the next government, it’s a minority, we have representation in the Cabinet (having MacKay represent us is embarrassing) and we have some new faces – regardless of political stripe – in the House of Commons - faces that earned the right to represent us and not through the coattails of Danny Williams’ ABC campaign.