The Speaker of the House of Assembly is supposed to be a pretty powerful figure. He certainly isn’t supposed to take direction from any one member of the legislature.
That’s what makes Roger Fitzgerald’s response to Danny Williams very odd. Fitzgerald could have easily – and should have easily – taken the initiative on sending condolences on behalf of members rather than wait to have the suggestion made by someone. Instead, this is what happened:
MR. SPEAKER: Further tabling of documents?
Notices of motion.
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER WILLIAMS: Mr. Speaker, if you deem it appropriate, perhaps it would be in order for letters of condolences be sent out on behalf of all members to the families of the crew and the passengers of Flight 491 on behalf of all members of the House of Assembly under your signature, if that is appropriate.
MR. SPEAKER: It is certainly appropriate and the Speaker will take your suggestion under advisement and do as you directed.
Long after they’d finished the condolences and minute of silence, up pops the Prem with this comment.
Then Roger says he will “do as you directed”.
Do as directed?
Maybe we can understand now why Roger sided with the Provincial Conservatives in shafting the Liberals on caucus funding. He was just following orders.
So what other orders is the supposedly impartial Fitzgerald taking from the 8th?
-srbp-
