A few words in PM's ear launched budget plot

[CHIMO]

OTTAWA — It all started with a whisper in Paul Martin's ear.

On the other side of the Commons, a beer-filled tub was being wheeled into the opposition lobby for the few Tories preparing to sit in for debate on a $4.6-billion budget bill.

Even the NDP and Bloc Quebecois were in on the scheme. They hung around the Commons after discussions between Valeri and the other house leaders earlier in the day.

"(The Tories) were caught flat-footed because they didn't pay attention to details," said one NDP member.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_PrintFriendly&c=Article&cid=1119649810981&call_pageid=968332188492

Must be the makings of a good novel here. At least Rick Mercer might be able to explain things to those who are in the opposition.

[Spazito]

1. An enjoyable read, thanks for the link

Harper, yet again, proved his political acumen is non-existent. Any opposition leader worth their salt would have known ALL the possibilities a minority government might have at hand to maintain power and any opposition leader with an ounce of 'sense' would have known about this 'obscure' procedure, imo.

I have to say, this action by the Martin smacked of a Chretien kind of action. Chretien, love him or hate him, was politically brilliant and took risks. I did not see Martin as a 'risk taker' in the Chretien and Trudeau mold, I have been pleasently surprised.

[Maple]

2. Kindly note this phrase

"On the other side of the Commons, a beer-filled tub was being wheeled into the opposition lobby for the few Tories preparing to sit in for debate on a $4.6-billion budget bill."

This is causing a bit of a stir...a 'few' Tories and a beer-filled 'tub'...on the job mind you...preparing to debate a $4.6 BILLION amendment.

[iverglas]

3. and I liked this one:

"erstwhile Conservative allies"

Erstwhile allies? Or erstwhile Conservatives?

;)

[Telly Savalas]

4. That would explain the Hannibal Lecter comments.