Members of Parliament have re-elected Peter Milliken as Speaker of the House of Commons.

Krista Erickson

The Liberal reclaimed the chair on the 5th and final ballot. He eliminated two Conservative challengers by garnering the support of more than 50 per cent plus one of parliamentarians.

In his bid for re-election, Millikenwas likely assisted by members of the other opposition parties who didn't want a member of the government becoming Speaker. As one Conservative put it, "Opposition wanted one of their own."

But when Milliken's re-election was announced, there were cheers from all sides of the House. In parliamentary tradition, the prime minister and the leader of the Official Opposition "dragged" Miliken to his familiar perch in the House.

After thanking members for his re-election, Milliken pledged to make the chamber more orderly. His challengers all raised a lack of decorum as the principle need for a change in Speaker.

The hallmark of Milliken's style as Speaker has been to diffuse tension with humour, rather than vigorous or aggressive enforcement of parliamentary rules.

According to other MP's, Miliken has deliberately steered away from the latter approach to avoid creating a sideshow for nightly newscasts, thereby distracting Canadians and parliamentarians alike from the legislative work of the House.

But after his re-election, party leaders had nothing but praise for Milliken.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the house Milliken has demonstrated fairness and "treated all members with respect."

Liberal leader Stéphane Dion said, "it's important for us to improve how we operate in this House."

And from NDP leader Jack Layton, "I believe there may be a sense that we are intent on doing that."

Members will have a chance to prove their new commitment to decorum this week, when daily question period resumes.

But first, they will celebrate. In his closing remarks, the Speaker suggested they all drop by his office for a little "refreshment."

Krista Erickson