Ignatieff/Liberals caves, Harper wins

[jdobbin]

Where'd you get the idea that the rest of the Tories turned on PM Harper?

Probably by looking at the commentators all day. Some of them are very angry about the deficit.

[capricorn]

Now, the opportunity comes again in three months.

So you're saying Layton and Duceppe will pardon Iggy, and reconstitute the coalition as and when convenient?

[jdobbin]

So you're saying Layton and Duceppe will pardon Iggy, and reconstitute the coalition as and when convenient?

Yup. If the Governor General turns to the Opposition leader, they will kiss and make up.

[capricorn]

You may be right dobbin. Layton still has dreams of a ministerial portfolio.

[jdobbin]

You may be right dobbin. Layton still has dreams of a ministerial portfolio.

My opinion is that Layton knows that he is closer to the end of his career as leader than he is to the beginning. He needs to do something dramatic and getting an NDP government involved in governing would do the trick.

I suspect that if the government fails in three or so months, the coalition is an option. Six months from now, an election is probably a more likely outcome if the government fails.

Edited January 29, 2009 by jdobbin

[Smallc]

I'm sure the Liberals will sort out their position on the coalition in no time.

Dennis Coderre said that the coalition is dead. When Ignatieff made his remarks, he didn't know if the Conservatives would accept the amendment. Once they did, the Coalition was dead. The Liberals are speaking with one voice in this from what I've seen.

[capricorn]

My opinion is that Layton knows that he is closer to the end of his career as leader than he is to the beginning. He needs to do something dramatic and getting an NDP government involved in governing would do the trick.

I think it was self defeating for Layton to say that the coalition is now comprised of Harper and Ignatieff. He may now be regretting making those comments in a moment of anger.

I suspect that if the government fails in three or so months, the coalition is an option. Six months from now, an election is probably a more likely outcome if the government fails.

I don't think the GG would approve a coalition while Ignatieff is interim leader. After he is confirmed leader at the party's convention that's another matter. That would bring us into May.

[Jerry J. Fortin]

Harper has won?

More like Iggy has set a stage. He has given Stevie the Wonder PM a free ride until the end of March. Then Stevie is subject to a House of Commons leadership review that triggers a confidence vote. Meanwhile "Don" Iggy pulls the strings and watches the puppets dance.

Guess who is calling the ball, cause it sure isn't the PM.

[capricorn]

The Liberals are speaking with one voice in this from what I've seen.

There will be more talk of the coalition from Ignatieff. I'm sure the media will continue grilling him on it. Let's see what he says then.

[Smallc]

There will be more talk of the coalition from Ignatieff.

I doubt it.

[jdobbin]

I think it was self defeating for Layton to say that the coalition is now comprised of Harper and Ignatieff. He may now be regretting making those comments in a moment of anger.

He certainly looked angry.

I don't think the GG would approve a coalition while Ignatieff is interim leader. After he is confirmed leader at the party's convention that's another matter. That would bring us into May.

She might have approved a coalition where the leader was going to be replaced in May. I don't know she wouldn't allow a coalition for a leader who was to be affirmed in May.