Stephen Harper Says
In his statement on the CBC website Harper says
… it had become obvious to Belinda that her leadership ambitions would not be reached in this party, regardless of whether or not we won the next election.
Not the sort of statement that should be left hanging Stephen – it leaves far to much room for speculation as to “why” any leadership ambitions Belinda Stronach may have hard were doomed in the CPoC…. I’m speculating already that it might have something to do with the fact that the Reform CPoC party has 11% women elected to seats while the folks she went to saw 23%.
– and that “There’s no grand principles involved in this grand switch of decision – just ambition” comment was just plain unnecessary – regardless of whether or not there’s any truth to it.
PeterP on May 18th, 2005 at 10:05 am
This unfortunate statement underscores Harper’s tendency to get petulant under pressure. Not a good spin at all. Dignified sorrow but firm resolution would have played better. He really does need:
a) to get some better communications people around him to help him define his messages;
b) to shut up until he’s spoken to them whenever the shit hits the fan, and;
c) to book a few sessions with whatever communications guru has been training Jack Layton (I’m betting it’s Barry McLaughlin…does anyone know?)
I’ll bet the Steven Harper’s spin tactics are devised by the same guy that cuts his hair; Steven Harper.
But I’ve got to agree with Balbs here, somber resolution was the way to go. Although his comment about McKay was priceless:
“As to be expected, he’s taking it pretty hard.”
Poor bastard, he’s gonna get asked about Stronach at every press conference he does for the rest of his life.
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