Doer unloads heavy jabs at campaign foes
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/05/2003 (8453 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
TORY Leader Stuart Murray is “not qualified” to apply for the job of premier after failing to attend a key leaders’ debate on aboriginal issues and failing to visit northern Manitoba during the campaign, NDP Leader Gary Doer charged yesterday.
After nearly a month of turning the other cheek under sometimes intense criticisms from his rivals, Doer went on the offensive yesterday and unloaded some pent-up barbs.
Chief among his complaints is Murray’s decision to pass on an opportunity to tackle aboriginal issues at an NCI radio debate this week. Both Doer and Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard participated.
Tory campaign officials said Murray had scheduled a prior engagement and could not accept the NCI invitation.
“Turning your back on the north and aboriginal people, you’re not qualified to be premier,” Doer said at a mini campaign rally at the Manitoba Theater Centre’s Warehouse Theater.
In addition, neither Murray nor Gerrard have visited northern Manitoba during the campaign, where the NDP hold a commanding lead. Regardless of the party standings, Doer said he can hardly believe there would be a campaign where only one of the three party leaders visited the north.
“Even when you’re faced with a hostile media, or a hostile crowd, or a hostile electorate, you stand up and take it,” Doer said. “You don’t take a powder. It’s part of sitting in the chair.”
Prior to returning volleys with his rivals, Doer enjoyed a rousing campaign rally featuring about 75 young NDP campaign workers and more than 20 candidates. Doer used the opportunity to review his campaign promises to date, which the premier said comes with a total price tag of $121.6 million.
Doer’s pointed comments marked a significant departure from the tone he has tried to maintain through the first three weeks of the campaign. Through four leaders debates, including two on Wednesday, Doer has meticulously avoided negative comment on the Liberal and Tory campaigns.
But along with Doer’s new, feisty comments comes new campaign advertisements which also display an edgier tone. The radio and television ads not only celebrate the NDP campaign pledges, but soundly decry the Liberal and Tory campaigns.
dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca