Canwest: Conservatives shoot back at Gomery

[tuvor]

OTTAWA - The Conservative party was not voted into office to implement the recommendations in Justice John Gomery's report on the federal sponsorship scandal, says the man responsible for the Federal Accountability Act.

"I have huge regard for Justice Gomery. But, you know, we ran on Stephen Harper's Federal Accountability Act," John Baird said Wednesday.

Baird, the federal Environment minister and former Treasury Board president, was responding to accusations Gomery made earlier this week, saying Canada was headed toward a "one-man government" with power concentrated in the Prime Minister's Office, comments Baird termed "regrettable."

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/politics/story.html?id=d46b161e-dd84-4425-9061-514cd5809fb8&k=11434

(Like daleo said, a means to an end, Gomery was.)

[Bragi]

1. Check out the blogging tories on this...

The neocons basically rode Gomery's tail into power, but you should hear the vitriol directed at him among conservative bloggers now that he has dared criticize Steve.

They're now accusing him of being a liberal shill (!) sent out to hide the mess. Incredible mental gymnastics, really. Here's a good example:

http://www.thepolitic.com/archives/2008/03/12/gomery-whines-but-does-anyone-care/

It reminds me not to ever forget the anger and bitterness that fuels most right-wingers. Their ideological predisposition towards bitter, personal attacks may be one of the things that makes most Canadians quite cautious about them.

Given this, responsible citizens should always do whatever they can to encourage open explosions of anger and hatefulness among right-wing partisans.

- B

[Bragi]

2. Another thing...

I missed pointing out the humour in the posted story.

So Gomery says that the cons haven't implemented his recommendations and have succumbed to "one man governemnt".

Cabinet comedian Baird then counters, saying this aint so, "we ran on STEPHEN HARPER'S Federal Accountability Act."

BaIrd really does need a laugh track.

- B

[daleo]

4. Good catch

I hadn't noticed that the first time I read the article.

[Spazito]

3. I can't help but wonder if it is Justice Gomery's ego that is

playing a part in this as well. I disliked the manner in which the inquiry was handled by Justice Gomery (I didn't disagree that an inquiry WAS needed, indeed it was, imo). The comments he had made outside of the court proceedings led me to believe he was not neutral in his role and that was unfortunate.

I am glad, however, he is hammering the faux cons on this relative to his recommendations as they have merit, regardless of egos, etc.

[daleo]

5. I have some mixed feelings about Gomery too

It seems hard to believe that he didn't know the Sponsorship Inquiry would be used cynically by the Conservatives. Maybe he is a bit naive - that sometimes goes along with a big ego (you believe your own press clippings).