The man who would be all things....

[idealisttotheend]

Globe Story

ttawa — Prime Minister Paul Martin faces a cranky Liberal caucus today, with some MPs angry over recent senior appointments and still smarting from an election that resulted in a minority government.

"The war is on," said an Ontario MP, who is so put off by the power of the unelected aides in the Prime Minister's Office that he vowed not to speak to them in an effort to diminish their hold.

"If you don't talk to them, they won't have any influence," the MP said.

.....

And in the halls of the Parliament Buildings there is a feeling that this government will not be around for long, with some Liberal caucus members predicting it will fall within 18 months.

Some complain that Mr. Martin has had little communication with MPs, neglecting to call to congratulate newly elected members or those who were re-elected.

Mr. Chrétien, who faced a near revolt by his caucus in his final year as leader, always made those phone calls.

"He might hate your guts," but Mr. Chrétien would place the call nevertheless, an MP said.

Now such communications come through Mr. Martin's unelected officials, with "absolute silence" from the Prime Minister.

.........

"Love him or hate him, you knew where Jean Chrétien stood, and with Paul he wants to please everybody. That seems to be the general tenor of some of the conversations," a senior caucus member said.

Mr. Martin is already being compared to Chretien, facing critism over a too strong PMO and being accused of not communicating. A lack of confidence in his advisors and the livelihood of his government does not bode well.

The media will be slathering over any hint of dissent within the Liberals and the Liberals look ready to provide it.

Mr. Maritn will not survive unless he finds some decent, competant advisors, unites the party and manages to be inspirational again (his strength).

[kimmy]

What do you want to bet that all this dissatisfaction with Martin is coming from former Chretien people who are jealous that they're not part of the "in crowd" anymore?

Too much power concentrated in the PMO? Holy cow! NEWS FLASH! Where have these people been for the past 11 years?

-kimmy