The 'M' word
February 12, 2008 | 05:51 PM
Kim Trynacity
A much younger but wiser colleague of mine reminded me of the issue that felled the darling of the federal Tories in his defeat in New Brunswick. It was auto insurance.
It was the single flash point that caused the downfall of once up-and-coming political leader Bernard Lord.
Not that I'm drawing a parallel, but auto insurance rates rank right up there with gas prices and whether the Oilers or the Flames will make the playoffs as common water-cooler chat.
This no doubt broadsided the Stelmach campaign, which had hoped that by launching an appeal, the campaign could take off in a new and positive direction. It hasn't happened.
This is unlike any election campaign I've ever covered in my 25 years as a reporter. The simmering feelings are pervasive in conversations on the trail, and in the tone of the many e-mails and calls I receive.
Now, to the "M" word. I'm not talking about majority either, rather the other"M" word — minority — or greatlyreduced majority.
An e-mail sent to me quotes a former Tory insider as predicting 48 seats for the Tories, 30 for the Liberals and the rest split between the NDP and the Wildrose Alliance. It's just a prediction of course — and there are long days and nights ahead.
Comments: (1)
What some people fail to realize is the $4000 cap on soft tissue injuries affects either a public or a private auto insurance system. If the system were public the additional costs would either be made up for with higher taxes or higher premiums - same effect.
Posted February 13, 2008 01:26 PM