Interesting piece out of Winnipeg; here's a clip.
Winnipeg Free Press
Friday, January 9, 2009
Page: A6
Section: Columns
Byline: Dan Lett
If there is one thing Liberals simply cannot abide, it is a winner.
Consider the case of one Michael Ignatieff. Despite having recently assumed the leadership of the federal Liberal party at a critical time in the political history of this country, Ignatieff continues to spend too much time dodging the sniping from the very people he is supposed to be leading.
This week, national reports indicated Ignatieff was close to completing his inner circle. Not surprisingly, that circle is comprised of many Torontonians who played an instrumental role in luring Ignatieff into federal politics, getting him elected to the House of Commons and running his leadership campaign. Despite the inherently logical approach of dancing with the ladies that brung him, he has been criticized from within the party.
A Canadian Press report this week indicated "some Liberals" were unhappy Ignatieff was not recruiting from the ranks of those Grits who supported other leadership contenders. The report suggested Ignatieff might be ignoring good people from other camps, a strategy that contributed to former prime minister Paul Martin's destruction.
There is no doubt some Liberals are concerned about Ignatieff's actions. This is a familiar refrain when a new Grit leader takes over. But these naysayers are revealing more about themselves, and the damaged Liberal party brand, than Ignatieff.
Ignatieff is most definitely relying heavily on the people who helped him assume the leadership. These include Ian Davey (principal secretary), son of the great Liberal "rainmaker" Keith Davey; fundraiser extraordinaire Rocco Rossi (party national director); Don Guy (national campaign director), a former chief of staff to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty; and former Chretien hit man Warren Kinsella (war room director). Respected former Liberal MP Paul Zed will serve as chief of staff on an interim basis.
James Morton
1 comment:
Who was it that described Ignatieff's moves as the Toronto Party of Canada? Whoever it was, Ignatieff is making a big mistake that will hurt us unless he changes his ways. The guy doesn't have a clue what he is doing.
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