Proud To Be A Liberal

Will they or won't they? Would it make any difference? They both represent parties that have sunk to the lowest common denominator of practical and aspirational effectiveness. Neither has a leader that presents as prime ministerial material, and both parties host representatives whose ideas, affiliations and behaviours are questionable at least. But of course, it is the leaders, and their ability to demonstrate their leadership qualities that are at the heart of the problem.

The problem being that neither the Liberal Party of Canada or the New Democratic Party have voters dreadfully enthused about their obvious potential, since their potential appears to be obviously lacking. So what would it avail them, after all, to form an alliance, other than to confuse their polarized issues even more in the minds of people who vote for one or the other in weak moments of submission to the inevitable.

Those, that is, who cannot bring themselves to vote for a viable alternative, whose resolute and proficient leader has proven to be an outstandingly good prime minister. A prime minister, as it happens, for all of Canada, not merely one region. As a matter of demonstrated fact, a leader of this country who represents all Canadians. Of course no one individual and no administration can ever achieve perfection. But on a scale of effective control and good results he rates very well.

So are the old war horses, Ed Broadbent and Jean Chretien, so much at loose ends and fretful about the dismal fortunes of their old parties, that they've nothing better to do than agitate behind the scenes for a merger? Oh yes, of course, and the still-aspirational leadership-material, the estimable Bob Rae who really does see no difference between the NDP and the Liberals, since he has tested the mettle of both, and whose own mettle was tested and found wanting as a premier of Ontario.

With an alliance, are they prepared to recommend a revolving leadership, to take turns, one week on, one week off? Can you really see either Michael Ignatieff or Jack Layton acceding one to the other? Mr. Ignatieff has lost his initial momentum of exciting expectations and rates fairly low on the scale of public recognition for the role, while Mr. Layton has a higher rating, though heaven knows why.

Of course, both the NDP and the Liberals are denying, denying, denying, and their MPs scoff at the very idea of such an impending merger. Yet both are anxious to unseat the Conservatives and haul the prime minister out of 24 Sussex Drive, and not for repairs to the crumbling mausoleum. They're all dismissive of rumours, but where there's smoke there is danger of someone getting burned.

"No one has any authorization to even discuss this matter. It's ridiculous. I am a Liberal. I am proud to be a Liberal. The people around me are Liberals. We are going to form a Liberal government."

Not likely, Iggie.