NS Debate - McNeil & Dexter Winners
McNeil did best, but seemed more like Opposition Leader than Premier. Dexter did what he had to do - was going for "next Premier" vibe and nailed it. But hate foolish HST cut policy on electricity - as McNeil had courage to say, bad public policy. MacDonald just looked beaten. Everything is going NDP's way, and more importantly, against Tories. From what I observe, from outside, seems like it's going to be NDP gov't, Lib Opposition & Tories 3rd, in minority legislature. Would be good thing too, as opens up Maritimes to healthier tripartite politics - I know NDP's been a player for a decade now, but it really hits home once they form the government. Of course, if they're a disaster, might be end of NDP hopes in region for years to come. Doubtful, though. No-one can imagine a 3rd party as gov't until they are, and then remain legitimate option forever.
Of course, in NS, a few votes here & there and any of three parties can win. Be curious to see if McNeil gets a bump, should my interpretation of debate be shared by NScotians.
Of course, in NS, a few votes here & there and any of three parties can win. Be curious to see if McNeil gets a bump, should my interpretation of debate be shared by NScotians.
posted by Eugene Forsey Liberal @ 7:01 PM
3 Comments:
At 7:59 PM,
William Norman said…
New poll out today would seem to support your predictions:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nsvotes2009/story/2009/05/19/ns-election-poll.html
The poll showed the NDP leading with 37 per cent, the Liberal Party at 31 per cent and the Progressive Conservative Party at 28 per cent.
Nova Scotia is interesting in that is probably the only province in which the 3 main parties each have a legit shot at forming government.
At 8:12 PM,
Eugene Forsey Liberal said…
Since the demise of the ADQ in QC of course. The NDP may revive under their new leader in Ontario. She was a good choice. Whatever polls say now, wait until the next election and debate, assuming McGuinty (of whom I'm a big fan) is still there. 12 year leader vs. Harrisite vs. bright well-spoken woman - if it's a "time for a change" election, results could surprise many. And who knows how Greens will affect outcome in close race, stealing votes where & how?
Anyway, a few votes here or there in NS and it all changes. But with only 17% undecided...
Only thing I dislike about McNeil is cutting gas tax policy. Silly. But righteous on electricity HST, and would be easy for opposition, like NDP, to promise to cut it. Pity about gas tax though.
Fate of anti-environmental policies will depend on configuration of new legislature.
Cheerio,
EFL
At 9:11 PM,
William Norman said…
With Horwath's policies and rhetoric coming right out of the 1960's trade union handbook, I think it's unclear how much she can ride the idea that she is a "change" candidate.
Indeed, the speech she gave describing how the ONDP proudly "will not adapt" to changing economic times, combined with ideas that the ONDP needs to be even closer to the unions (which is what won her the leadership), I can't see Horwath making much more of an impact outside the traditional ONDP zones. Can she pick up a few marginals up north? Yeah sure. A couple more rust-belt Southern Ontario seats? Perhaps. But she won't be a seriously threat to even move the ONDP into officially opposition, unless the new PC leader totally self-destructs.
Post a Comment
<< Home