Tory Adviser Backs Down

[jdobbin]

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...?hub=TopStories

A Tory insider and close confidante of the prime minister says he's sorry for suggesting Governor General Michaelle Jean can't be trusted to be impartial in a constitutional crisis.

In an online article published Tuesday, Tom Flanagan questioned Jean's political sympathies, and he described her as a politically inexperienced broadcaster chosen by former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin.

"Could Mr. Harper count on fair treatment from this Governor General in a constitutional crisis?" wrote Flanagan in C2C: Canada's Journal of Ideas.

"Suppose he was defeated in the House and asked for dissolution of Parliament and a new election? Would she comply with his request, or would she accept his resignation and then invite the Liberal leader to form a government?"

Jean hasn't commented publicly on Flanagan's attack, but the University of Calgary professor followed up his comment Wednesday afternoon with an on-air apology on CTV's Mike Duffy Live.

"Several well informed people have said to me that they don't agree with (my comments)," Flanagan said in an interview with Duffy.

"They think Madame Jean's impartiality is without question, and I think I'd like to take the opportunity to apologize to her if I have questioned her impartiality."

Civil service, judges and the Governor-General: Do the Tories think they have to purge all of them with Conservatives to get a fair shot at governing?

[Higgly]

Isn't that what happens whenever a new regime comes in? I don't like the Conservatives, but I think the Liberals have done the same thing.

[kengs333]

Personally, I don't think that MJ would know what to do if there was a constitutional crisis; she's more content to rearange the paintings at RH and go socialize than to really take her role seriously. In my opinion, her appointment was an attempt to make the GG office seem more trivial and redundant to the average Canadian. Martin was certainly no fan of our Monarchy, and I suspect Harper is not different, just more subtle about it. MJ really needs to be replaced with someone worthy of the position.

[August1991]

Tom Flanagan is now just some guy who is no different than anyone posting on this forum. But he's also a loose cannon and worse, he's always described in the press as a "close confidant of Harper".

It appears that someone has told him to shut up, or at least to publicize his book in a less harmful manner.

For those who see conspiracy, this retraction is evidence that Harper is lining up his ducks in preparation for an election. In addition, in the conspiracy scenario, Flanagan has successfully sent out the secret message to recalcitrant small-c conservatives (of the Geoffrey sort) that they can come home and vote for Harper - he'll deliver if he gets a majority.

Edited September 27, 2007 by August1991

[Canuck E Stan]

It appears that someone has told him to shut up, or at least to publicize his book in a less harmful manner.

The best way for an author to sell books is by getting free publicity.

Causing a little stink in the media will achieve that goal.

It becomes an awareness of the author factor.In the media today,a Tom who?, tomorrow.

It worked for Mulroney a couple of weeks ago and has worked for many other writers in helping sell more books.

Flannigan is no different.

He's getting free advertising throughout the media for his book and in turn will be richer because of it.

[geoffrey]

Just a little hint.

Flanagan isn't an idiot. He's an absolutely cunning political genius. In his book, he essientially has stripped a campaign down to a step by step guide to win an election in Canada (so I hear, I've only begun it).

He's no fool. He thought about his words before he wrote them. He has devoted his life to political style, not political substance.

Is August right, is this a secret message? Time will tell I suppose, one won't be the end of it. But no, Flanagan isn't the type to screw up. It's not what he does.

However, this, if blown up enough, may cost him another time as campaign chief.

[M.Dancer]

In an online article published Tuesday, Tom Flanagan questioned Jean's political sympathies, and he described her as a politically inexperienced broadcaster chosen by former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin.

I wasn't aware that political experiance was an import qualifiction for the job.....especially given the detrius of english nobility who filled the seat prior to The Right Honurable Vincent Massey.....

[jennie]

Just a little hint.

Flanagan isn't an idiot. He's an absolutely cunning political genius. In his book, he essientially has stripped a campaign down to a step by step guide to win an election in Canada (so I hear, I've only begun it).

He's no fool. He thought about his words before he wrote them. He has devoted his life to political style, not political substance.

Is August right, is this a secret message? Time will tell I suppose, one won't be the end of it. But no, Flanagan isn't the type to screw up. It's not what he does.

However, this, if blown up enough, may cost him another time as campaign chief.

Flanagan said he is no longer associated with the Prime Minister and said something like if he was getting paid he would but he is not at present.

I have to wonder whether this is Harper strategy ... to what end? To intimidate the GG?

It is unclear.

"Deliver" what?