Speller's out, now what?

[15444]

Well, Bob Speller failed to keep his seat tonight, losing it to a Conservative candidate. I guess the big question is, now what? Martin had his hopes pinned on Speller being the ag minister to right the wrongs of that former poor excuse for a minister.

So who steps up now? Liberals barely got any candidates elected out West. Guess we should be expecting another Liberal from Ontario to step into the ag file, but who? Also, watch how fast Martin gets somebody in and focused on the ag file as it will be a big headache for the entire government come this fall!

[rusty1]

here comes ANNIE

[cakadu]

Rusty --- bite your tongue!!! :-)

[farmerfudd]

It's time to start to put more preasure her way. It may be our closest lifeline in some rough waters.

[kato]

I for one liked Bob Speller. And I'm not afraid to say it, Liberal or not. He was the only Ag minister I can remember who actually seemed to know we were out here.

When is the last time a federal ag minister walked into an auction mart in Western Canada?

Never, as far as I can remember.

Even though he couldn't get the border open for us before the election, I always had the feeling that he was really trying to do it.

A politician who actually takes his job seriously and works for those who are depending on him, instead of for himself first is a rare thing indeed.

He will be missed.

As for his replacement, they'd better get on it fast. This is not the time to be without some direction from the government!

[rusty1]

kato - I'm suprised! Any cabinetwit minester who has the gal to get up during in the crisus and predict the border will open in August, has no common sence or professionalizm. Even if he knows it will open then he had no business saying that without guarantee.

[cswilson]

I suppose he could appoint Ralph Goodale.

[kato]

And Lyle VanClief was better?

He out and out told us to take a hike!

At least Speller showed an interest. I think anything he said to us was on directions from above. One thing the Liberal party has, it's control over what it's ministers can and cannot say. If you talked to him next week, I bet you'd get a different story.

[kato]

I bet it's going to be Goodale as well.

[Incognito]

Not on your life will it be Goodale. Finance minister to Agriculture Minister??? He will stay on as Finance Minister....He is a close personal friend of PM PM...they share a cabin and condo together. No demotion in these cards... and Finance is too important to have two portfolios...