08 January 2007

And then there's Dr. Fitz

Odd to hear a story on CBC Radio this morning discussing the activities of His Excellency the High Commissioner in Ottawa.
Sources tell CBC News that FitzGerald — who taught courses at Memorial University before being appointed last year as what he at the time described as the province's eyes and ears in Ottawa — has not had a significant impact during his eight months on the job.

Sources say FitzGerald does not have much traction with Ottawa mandarins, and lacks the power to negotiate on behalf of the province.
The audio version had a bit more detail, noting, for example, that after Stephen Harper's trip to Dannyland in October, His Excellency was despatched to the Langevin Block to set things right with the Prime Minister.

Fitz was left outside the office cooling his jets, reduced to offering to walk with the PMO staffer to his next appointment if need be.

Such is the impact Danny's man has on The Hill.

If they haven't already started, CBC Radio should expect angry e-mails flying from the Blackberrys at the Premier's publicity departments and threats of legal action from Fitz's legal counsel.

Fitz is nothing if not touchy.