Wednesday, September 26, 2007

If They Want Early Election - They'll Have One

The government made it clear that it's not ready to accept any ultimatums. If the opposition threatens with an early election - the Conservatives are getting their campaign buses ready. The first confidence vote on the Throne Speech is scheduled for October 18th. If the government loses - it's a big game of tic-tac-toe on November 26th.

Not many are excited with that prospective. Most of those who commented on the story don't want an early election. Some consider it a waste of taxpayers' money to hold elections that often; especially if it's unlikely to change the party standings in the Parliament. Others are simply not ready for an election or don't like the idea of having a Federal election campaign right after the Ontario election... Those who welcomed the possibility of an early election (looking forward for either a Liberal government or a Conservative majority) were greatly outnumbered.

So I don't retract my words - we'll have the campaign (or something quite similar) but there will be no election called. Here's a great comment posted by Craig:
A quick prediction:

After the throne speech, Dion is going to call a press conference and announce (in his typical mumbled stammering) that he "sees things in the throne speech that we can work on" and that because "Canadians do not want another election" he will support it.

Then he can pretend to save face and claim that he took a stand.
Exactly! Unless something extraordinary happens and the Liberal support jumps into mid-30s, the new campaign buses for the Conservative party are most likely to stay in the garage.

1 comment:

NB taxpayer said...

I don't know Leonard? I know it's a minority parliament, but Liberal supporters/members aren't used to having their opposition party (they've rarely been in opposition in the last 70 years btw) support its main opponent's policies.

I think another conservative endorsement by Dion could be fatal for him (and him alone), especially when you gage the increased discontent that is mounting from Liberals in other camps. (which is a lot considering Dion got the nod as lib leader without the support of the party establishment)

I think [he] will take a gamble and vote against the Throne speech in hopes he can save his political hide on Afghanistan and the environment (Green party leader is out of commission with hip replacement surgery). However, judging from the party's eroding support in Quebec, that is a gamble the party should not be willing to make. Unfortunately, for Dion, he has very few options left that are open to him.

Maybe he can campaign on tax cuts?? lol