More than a few in Newfoundland and Labrador were surprised by this picture [Tom Hanson/Canadian Press].Why?
Because instead of federal finance leprechaun John Flaherty sitting next to the Prime Minister, there was Avalon member of parliament Fabian Manning.
Normally a member doesn't get to sit on the treasury benches unless he or she is a member of cabinet. Yet, there's a nattily-dressed Manning, looking on as the much more sartorially splendid Prime Minister tackles questions during the daily Question Period.
Now Newfoundlanders and Labradorians weren't struck by the attire of the two men, although some will certainly note that Fabe looks good without high-priced help.
Nope, wags across the province were wondering why Manning is cuddling up to the Prime Minister during the fracas over Equalization promises. Some are even going so far as to add the Avalon MP to a list of fellows elected to parliament who seem to have turned their backs on their province. They wonder if Manning won't be getting his come-uppance at the polls for supposedly betraying the province.
It's a good question.
Except that the whole premise of the question is based on the belief that one can only be a good, proper, loyal and trustworthy Newfoundlander by backing the provincial government in the crise du jour.
Manning might pay, but by the time of the next federal election - anyone wanna bet on 2008? - odds are good that the ruckus with Harper will be forgotten and Manning will be re-elected handily. On top of that, Manning is the likely choice to replace Loyola Hearn should the province's current federal cabinet representative opt for retirement.
Odds are also good that Manning - ousted from the provincial Tory caucus in a dispute with Premier Danny Williams - will be taking advice from John Crosbie on how to conduct his business. Wouldn't that be an interesting development: Premier Danny Williams dealing with the guy he wouldn't have stay in his own caucus, and the fellow from the Southern Shore having his hand on bags of federal cash.
Talk about come-uppance.
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Update: A quick check of the Commons seating chart indicates that The Fabulous Fabe was actually sitting in the seat normally occupied by Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transportation.
The finance leprechaun must have been absent that day or just not in the shot.
The finance leprechaun must have been absent that day or just not in the shot.
3 comments:
I am not at all surprised to see PMH use Fabian as a prop to Taunt the NL premier. Harper is nothing if not clever, and he does have a vicious streak.
This is the second time that Fabian has been highlighted in the house as part of the equalization spat.
I, too, see Fabian as the next best choice as the Political Minister from NL.
Come-Uppance? If Danny can slag Loyola, his former champion; imagine the strip he could haul off Minister Manning!!
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Mac
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Unless Elizabeth Marshall runs federally, which has been rumoured for awhile. With due respect to Fabian, if you have Marshall in your caucus, you're foolish not to use her. Only a complete egomaniac would let such an intelligent and competent person rot in the backbenches....
Oh....right...
Fabian isn't being used as a prop, Mac. I think that does him a great disservice.
Craig, I would agree with you wholeheartedly. The local Connies have been looking for candidates and there is a rumour Beth Marshall is looking at it or has been approached for St. John's east.
If she ran and was elected, then I'd figure her for a cabinet seat at some point. it all depends on whether Harper would go with an order of seniority and take Fabe first. There'd be nothing to stop him from appointing both, of course.
Interesting to see Beth deliver the lead speech on the government side in the the address in reply to the throne speech. That's a significant spot and could signal that she is looking to hang around locally.
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