This is a throne speech from someone who doesn’t plan on doing very much more in politics.
There is no greater legacy My Government is building for our province’s children than the renewed sense of pride and confidence that they, as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, are feeling as we become masters of our own destiny. In classrooms and homes across our province, a new attitude is taking hold, full of hope in the dream of a wonderful future for young people right here at home. This year’s plan of action builds with confidence on the extraordinary progress Newfoundland and Labrador has achieved since 2003.
That’s pretty much the tone of the whole thing: “Everything I set out to do is now done. Everything and everyone is ready for a better tomorrow.”
The only thing missing was the talk of new hands taking the helm.
We already have that, by the way, in the 2005 throne speech in which Danny Williams plagiarized John Kennedy’s inaugural address to come up with his own version:
"The time has come for new heroes to step forward: men, women, and young people who can build their community, grow our economy, foster cooperation, and inspire the confidence we need to pursue our dreams together."
In the context of the speech though, Williams didn’t have the same idea Kennedy’s speechwriter used. Kennedy was running on the theme that he embodied the new generation of leaders. In Williams’ case, he was – apparently – talking about others coming forward to replace him. That sounds odd, but then again, this is an administration that started out with the sort of foolish ideas – grandiose, overhyped megaprojects – that usually come from parties that are entirely clapped out.
In any event, the new session of the latest Williams’ legislature may prove to be his last and one of the lightest in the history of the province. Then again, this guy has been The –est Premier.
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