DEVOLIN
BEWILDERED BY WALLING’S RATIONALE
December
6, 2006
LINDSAY
– Local MP Barry Devolin was surprised by the Liberal Party’s
decision to reject a “one member, one vote” leadership process,
and bewildered by what he read in the local media explaining the
local Liberal candidate’s voting rationale. Devolin was in
Montreal at the Liberal convention as a Conservative Party observer.
“I
was amazed that the Liberals rejected the move to a one member, one
vote system and retained delegated leadership conventions,” stated
Devolin. “It seems that Liberals talk a lot about grassroots
input; then turn around and reject a proposal that would have
allowed tens of thousands of Liberal party members to participate
directly in the process.”
“Most
political parties in Canada – including the Conservative Party –
have moved to a leadership process that allows all members to have a
direct say in who becomes leader,” explained Devolin. “On the
other hand, these old-fashioned delegated conventions are notorious
for allowing insiders to play games to advance their own position,
rather than focusing on who would make the best leader.”
“I
was also shocked that with almost 5,000 registered delegates in
Montreal, only about 100 even bothered to show up to decide how
future conventions will be conducted,” said Devolin. “On the
other hand, I have a lot of respect for young Liberals delegates
from this riding who supported one candidate – and worked hard on
their campaigns.”
Devolin
said his concerns about insider gamesmanship were confirmed earlier
this week when the local Liberal candidate explained his dilettante
voting strategy.
“According
to local newspapers, Greg Walling voted for four different
candidates on four separate ballots for four unusual reasons,”
explained Devolin. “And even after explaining what he had done –
and why he did it – we still don't know who Walling actually
wanted to see as leader!”
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–
For
more information contact:
Barry
Devolin
(705)
324-2400
(866)
688-9881
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