Well, no, not really.
They’re doing what every political party everywhere eventually does. They realize that in order to advance their agenda, they need a degree of power within Parliament. Right now, holding the linchpin on the Tory Minority (now that the Liberals seem to have discovered a backbone) Layton feels he’s in a better position to extract something he wants out of the government than if Iggy were to suddenly win a snap election. That’s just how our system works – part of it is policy, and the other is Machiavellianism.
Just like a few months ago: while the Liberals may not have liked what the Harper government was doing, they would have even less of a shot to represent their supporters if the PM all of a sudden found himself with a majority. Hence, staying momentarily quiet was the lesser of the two evils. The NDP, of course, went bat-shit crazy over this.
So, when it comes to “playing the game” that is Canadian politics, even the NDP aren’t above the fray.
It wasn’t funny the first time
3 hours ago
5 comments:
All the NDP has said is that rather than move a motion of non-confidence in June, they will put forward a bill on EI reform, and they are willing to do some horsetrading to get it passed.
They will still vote against the government on any confidence matters that come up. Unlike the Liberals - who have voted with the Tories on 71 consecutive confidence matters.
The NDP will not vote against things that the Liberals vote against, because they do not want an election. They screamed about the Liberals voting with the Tories, now it will be the Liberals turn to give them some of their own medicine.
sure, sure libs where your trying to make your fantasy reality - LOL.
Reminds me, it was priceless the day that the libs backed up the Harper extend the Afghanistan mission, and Harper walked across the commons floor and shook Iggy's hand, thanking him for being on the same page as the Cons - priceless.
Just like two peas in a pod!
As you said - it's all perfectly explainable - right out of the political textbook "Partisan Pragmatism 1.1"
In essence, Layton's announcement is an admission that his party stands to lose the most should a summer election be called. No longer willing to stand upon the valour of his principles - he has has suddenly discovered prudence... ah, politics!
TPB: For the past year, the NDP has been trumpeting the essentialist line that Stephen Harper is bad for Canada, and that if you’re not actively trying to end his tyrannical regime at every possible opportunity, then you’re “evil” and supporting the Conservative government.
What you call “horsetrading” is the Machiavellian gamesmanship all the other parties do.
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