It seems as though people can’t get away from the Liberal Party leadership fast enough. Following the Liberal defeat at the hands of the Conservative Party in the January 23 election and the subsequent resignation of Paul Martin as Liberal leader, potential candidates have been running away from the job like it’s got the plague.
First former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley took his name out of consideration citing “personal reasons”. Next Frank McKenna, the former US ambassador and perceived front-runner, decided he didn’t want to go back for the “cheese”. Finally Brian Tobin, who Canadians will remember as the guy responsible for shooting at Spanish fishing trawlers,( yeah I know Canadian National Security is more concerned with cod then terrorism which I think is a good thing personally) withdrew his name saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Here’s a quick look at who we have left based on some initial thoughts by “experts”. (read CBC)
Belinda Stronach:
She proved during the last election that it doesn’t matter what side you’re on as long as you’re hot and blond. Unfortunately she only has slightly more experience in politics than the guy who ran your high school student council. Having left the Conservatives just last year, I’d find it difficult to imagine her as the head of the Liberals especially considering their negative campaign against that vilified the right.
Scott Brison:
One of the few openly gay MPs. Brison would be the first openly gay leader of a Major political party which would be cool. While he’s not hot and blond, he was a conservative up until a few years ago and like Belinda ran for the leadership of that party.
Michael Ignatieff:
Honestly I’ve never heard of this guy before. After living in the US for the last 30 years Ignatieff returned in the summer of 2005 as the air apparent to the Paul Martin. The former director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University ran and won in a Toronto area riding 5 months after his return to Canada. Undoubtedly the intellectual front runner.
Article comments
1 - Rob
I heard this morning that Ken Dryden, former super-goalie of the 70's Montreal Canadiens and, most recently, president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is also in the running. I think the Conservative Party faithful must be smiling a lot at the moment.
2 - DJ freq
There's a hockey joke in there somewhere.
The way things are going for them I'm pretty sure i've got a good chance at winning. Although i think i'll withdraw my name to spend more time with the family.
3 - Valery
The next federal Liberal leader will be lily white due to the fact that Canada is a multicultural nation. The next 20 Prime Ministers will be of similar hue unless the country is annexed.
4 - DJ freq
I don't agree Valery, I think in the next 10 years we'll see a non white, non male prime minister. I'm pretty sure we'll even see a gay leader in the next 15 or so. Annexed? By who?