Tory MPs riled by Harper's outsiders

[tuvor]

'This is shocking. It's just unbelievable. ... We campaigned against this kind of stuff'

JEFF SALLOT AND BILL CURRY

With reports from Rod Mickleburgh, Gloria Galloway, Campbell Clark and Canadian Press

OTTAWA -- Members of the Conservative caucus squirmed in public and seethed in private yesterday, trying to come to grips with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's two controversial cabinet appointments.

"This looks like expediency, even hypocrisy," a veteran Conservative MP from Western Canada said of the appointments of David Emerson, who was elected last month as a Liberal, and Conservative campaign co-chairman Michael Fortier, who didn't run but will get a Senate appointment.

"This is shocking. It's just unbelievable. Who was Stephen talking to? We campaigned against this kind of stuff," the MP said.

A rookie MP said: "I'm not sure how I'm going to explain these appointments to my constituents. It's bewildering."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060208.TORIES08/TPStory/National

[glarius]

1. I hope enough of them are unhappy to cause a revolt in the party!

n/t

[Spazito]

2. Delicious, absolutely delicious

Harper has exceeded even my expectations of when his arrogance would re-appear, lol.

[Swede]

3. Vellacott looks like a total boob now.

Most Conservatives were furious last year when Belinda Stronach moved to the Liberals and took a cabinet job.

Saskatchewan Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott, who said Ms. Stronach was prostituting herself, described Mr. Emerson carefully yesterday.

"I understand the pragmatism of it," Mr. Vellacott said. "But to be honest, I feel a bit uneasy about it."

Alberta MP Myron Thompson also said Mr. Emerson's appointment caught him by surprise. "When I get back home, I'll probably get an earful."


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060208.wxtories08/BNStory/National/home

[Spazito]

4. Yep, even I am amazed at how soon they are showing their

blatant hypocrisy and it's thanks to Harper's arrogant belief he knows best and will act in isolation when needed.

[Harper_is_Bush]

5. Wow. I didn't realize it was THAT big a deal to them!

That's great.