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Politicians shadow-boxing on free-trade pact

In between elections, the House of Commons is the prime venue of the opposition, the only place where the government is forced to share centre stage, particularly with the Leader of the Official Opposition.

When that leader rejects the notion of recalling Parliament early to debate the issue that is making the front pages of the newspapers from coast to coast — as Conservative leader Stephen Harper did this week — one has to be intrigued.

By postponing his opportunity to hold Liberal feet to the softwood fire, Harper seems to be letting Prime Minister Paul Martin off a big hook.

It is very bizarre, to say the least, for the Conservative leader to not want to return to the House of Commons as soon as possible. I know he is down in the polls but it is almost like he is abdicating his role of official opposition leader.

[SirSpanky]

Perhaps hes going to let public opinion simmer for awhile. Build up a little rage, and watch as the libs bungle it up further.

Bad move IMHO.