Rogue Tory to jump from N.L. legislature to federal politics
Last Updated: Monday, December 5, 2005 | 9:20 AM ET
CBC News
Having been kicked out of the Tory caucus in Newfoundland and Labrador's legislature, Fabian Manning said Sunday he wants to run for the federal Conservatives in the Jan. 23 election.
Manning was expelled from caucus this spring after challenging the government's crab management policies. On Sunday, he announced his intentions to seek the Conservative nomination in Avalon.
"The best is yet to come," Manning told supporters at a legion hall in Holyrood.
Fabian Manning
Avalon was created in redistribution leading up to the 2004 election. The seat is currently held by Liberal John Efford, who coasted to an easy victory last year but has announced his retirement because of his health.
The riding consists largely of the former riding of Bonavista-Trinity-Conception, which voted Liberal in every election but one since Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949.
However, it also now includes voters from the former riding of St. John's West, which traditionally voted for the Progressive Conservative party.
Manning is not expected to be challenged for the party's nomination.
The risks for Manning are considerable. Under provincial rules, he must resign his seat in the House of Assembly to run federally. Manning has held a provincial seat since 1993.
"This decision has been most difficult even to comprehend," said Manning, who added he had several sleepless nights as he weighed his options.
Despite being exiled to sit among the opposition benches, Manning still has support from caucus members for his run in federal politics.
Provincial Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan is among those who plan to help Manning take the seat for the Conservatives.
"All the members provincially will be out helping on the ground and working with him to get elected federally. I mean, it's the Conservative party," said Sullivan.
Manning can also expect support from crab fishermen like Kevin Slaney from Chapel's Cove.
Slaney said Manning won his support when he defied the premier over crab processing rules that fishermen said gave processing companies too much clout.
"We had lots of politicians; we didn't have too many men. The only man that I [saw] there was Mr. Manning," Slaney said.
Manning has endured more than one crisis this year. After being evicted from caucus, his home in St. Bride's burned down.
Manning could be the Conservative party's candidate by Wednesday.
Three candidates are competing for the Liberal nomination. The NDP has not yet nominated a candidate in Avalon.
