The Latest on Ignatieff
Simon Pole proves the value of the blogosphere with a comprehensive roundup of Ignatieff news. From his backpeddling on support for the war in Iraq, the continuing ire of Ukrainian-Canadians across the country, and news that Ignatieff won't even be in the country for the first portion of the campaign - Not the best start in politics, to put it mildly.
No signs that these problems will be soon forgotten, either. The latest press release from the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Riding Association [via Rabble] makes for particularly compelling reading. Tonight's nomination meeting should be explosive to say the least.
Cherniak says this morning that no one is considering the implications of the "problem" here. Respectfully, he's the one who misses the issue - hoping that the "controversy blows over" (and stating it should!) simply because Ignatieff will make a great MP. Well, I can name a lot of people who I think would make great MPs too - unfortunately, perhaps, we live in a democracy where certain rules apply regarding their election! At least if he were appointed, then the process would have been an honest one. As it is, the "acclamation" reeks of crass political maneuvering.
No one is entitled to office, regardless of their previous track record. Such special treatment at the constituency level is not only ill-conceived, but probably unnecessary.
Whether PMO officials or Ignatieff organizers are responsible for this spate of errors is beside the point. The buck must be seen to stop with Ignatieff. After all, you think a candidate who supports military intervention in the name of democracy would take care not to flout it so needlessly at home in his first foray into politics. If he is such a worthy candidate, why not be prepared to follow the proper procedures and take on all challengers? Why run scared?
posted by J. A. MacDuff @ 10:57 AM
2 Comments:
This is interesting though isn't it?
The claim, for what it's worth, is that the riding association has been taken over (back in '04) by an executive that wants a Ukrainian-Canadian, and only a Ukrainian-Canadian to represent the Liberals in the riding. Who knows what's going on over there, but I do fing it interesting that the new riding association President apparently doesn't actually live in the riding.
Hmmmm. This story just gets curiouser and curiouser!
Interesting indeed, and yet another wrinkle to the mix. The story certainly removes much of the sympathy for the Riding Association in this ongoing saga.
All things considered, it is pretty surprising that Ignatieff's people didn't see this problem arising. You think if you were going to jump into the riding at the last minute, you would be aware of the internal dynamics and gauge the reaction of the Association President.
A further example of details escaping a theorist?
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