Harper doesn't urge MacKay to stick with federal Tories as wooing begins

[CHIMO]

OTTAWA (CP) - Peter MacKay says he's received "heart-warming" entreaties to stick with the federal Conservatives from his caucus colleagues, but none from Tory Leader Stephen Harper.

The apparently cool response from Harper will likely revive talk of Conservative leadership tension as MacKay contemplates overtures to join the race to succeed retiring Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm. MacKay, 40, said Friday he'd be "short-changing myself" if he didn't at least think about a move to the legislature in his native province.

Dany Renauld, a long-time Tory organizer in Quebec, sent a mass French-language e-mail to Conservatives on Friday imploring them to immediately contact MacKay and ask this "moderate voice" to remain with the federal party.

http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/politics/news/shownews.jsp?content=n093049A

Wonder if Harper is clearing out the last of the "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" gang and returning the Conservatives to the Reform party. Maybe it would bring about another party again?

[applegrove]

1. Are the potatoes not ready to be dug up?

[jim3775]

2. This is good for our side

The less cooperation between the federal tory players the better. As long as the Alberta establishment sticks with Harper the cons will be losers.