Opposition hoping leadership change tips the balance

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This article was published 18/10/2009 (5862 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE leaders of Manitoba’s two opposition leaders were quick to offer their congratulations to premier-designate Greg Selinger after his convention victory Saturday afternoon, but they made it clear it won’t be long until the gloves come off.

Conservative leader Hugh McFadyen and Jon Gerrard, head of the Liberals, said they knew Selinger was the favourite heading into the final weekend, so the results came as no surprise.

"We were aware that (Selinger) had a significant amount of institutional support within the NDP and labour unions and he managed to translate that into delegate votes. That’s a sign of a good campaign machine," McFadyen said. "I wish him well. He certainly deserves some time to celebrate and savour his victory."

Gerrard also tipped his hat to Selinger but said the NDP’s choice of him over Steve Ashton, who he described as "a little more exciting, different and more connected to the grassroots," opens up significant potential for his party.

"Greg Selinger is not Gary Doer, he doesn’t have the same charisma. This comes at a time when our membership is growing. Sixteen months ago, we had 1,000 members, now it’s close to 6,000. We’ve got some momentum building. It’s going to be an exciting time. After 10 years (in power), there are a fair number of warts showing," he said.

McFadyen said Doer’s departure sets in motion "the wheels of change" from which the Tories will benefit.

"I’ve said consistently that I thought we were going to be very competitive against Doer in a campaign in 2011…

"Now when I say I’m optimistic, people believe me. When you’re the opposition, change is always good."

McFadyen said he was looking forward to getting back to the house to deal with the "major challenges" Selinger has been left to handle.

"There’s a significant crime problem, growing financial challenges, ongoing issues in health care and lots of questions about the concealment of important financial information at (Manitoba) Hydro. There’s a lot of important business in front of us. But more than what the NDP does, it’s going to come down to what we do in terms of building a team that is ready for government and putting together a policy platform that is responsive to the wishes of Manitobans," he said.

geoff.kirbyson@freepress.mb.ca