In a move that contradicts accusations of a culture of deceit, the Prime Minister has decided to grant the leader of the opposition more privileged access to government information by appointing him to the Privy Council. Here I was under the impression that we were trying to hide information from the opposition, and I don't get why we would grant Iggy more access. Is this a test to see if Iggy can keep his mouth shut, or is the Prime Minister making an attempt to bring a culture of cooperation to Ottawa?
If I were Prime Minister I don't think that I would have done this, but that may just be one of several reasons why I am not the Prime Minister. Sometimes when the party you support has a highly competent leader, in some instances you have to trust his judgment even if you have your doubts. I wouldn't have made Iggy privy to anything beyond maybe today's special at the cafeteria, but that's just me...
I'm with you but it really is an impressive gesture, perhaps more symbolic than realistic in this case.
ReplyDeleteThere may be a test in this...
"Privy;participating in the knowledge of something private or secret" and we all know that Mr Zzzzz has a terrible time with allowing his 'thinking thoughts' to escape unexpectedly.
But then we have the other 'Privy'
"•an outdoor toilet; latrine; earth closet; john; johnny house; a toilet;...."
So it will depend on us to interpret where this will go, hmmm?
My brother and I had a similar discussion,his view was to allow the opposition the right to view the documents on the detainees to see if they can keep a secret. Failure to do so will be their downfall.
ReplyDeleteQuestion? Does appointing him to the privy council require him to keep "his mouth shut", as well shutting down the idea that the government is with holding information from the opposition?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, that's two questions... :)
ReplyDeleteI’m surprised that the leader of the Ops is not already a member of the Privy. Would have thought that it would have been automatic. That said, it sure strikes me as being a “shut the … up” tactic on the part of the PM. Will it work?
ReplyDeleteI disagree that it is just a "shut the f**k up" tactic. Whether or not Iggy can walk into the foyer and give an impromptu presser about what he just heard, he is still being granted access to more priviledged information.
ReplyDeleteMr Ignatieff will get all kinds of attention! In fact he will be the center of attention, those lights are HOT there are no do-overs. He ain't ready for prime time good move PM Harper.
ReplyDeletecheers Bubba
Apprently PM Harper extended the invitation for Ignatieff to be named to the Privy Council in December. It has taken this long for Ignatieff to formally accept the invitation and then for the swearing in.
ReplyDeleteSo....all the while in the last months when Ignatieff was screaming that the Harper government was "secretive" he already had his invitation. Heh. Couldn't even make a little decision like THIS for months???
Sheeesh. If my company had such indecisive managers we would be out of business.
Lorraine @8:50 am, that would suggest that the real management team of the OLO had their scandal du jour, preplanned and any act of respectful recognition from the PMO would unravel that message faster than a cat with a ball of wool.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely nothing 'HONORABLE' about waiting this long imo unless you are an entitled elitist that has a different canned agenda.
Now just watch the faux Statesman routine...believe it!
Pity Ignatieff - he will be a member of the Privy Council but will have to show restraint. I predict he will be unable to handle the assignment. There should be a cyber wager on how long it will take for him to unload information. I'll start, betcha its the first question from the Ottawa press corp, "Question - so what did you discuss today at the meeting of the Privy Council?", "Answer, ....". It will be like a "girlfriend moment", the MSN will be camped out on his doorstep for updates. Any takers?
ReplyDeleteOne thing to remember: Harper himself was appointed to the Privy Council in 2004 at the behest of PM Paul Martin. Martin also had Jack Layton appointed to the Council.
ReplyDeleteLeaders of the Opposition do not automatically become members of the Council; Preston Manning, for example, is not a member.
Harper may believe, based on his own experience, that PC membership would be a net benefit to the way Iggy approaches his work as Opposition leader.
One other thing: while PC members have access to certain information, they very rarely meet to discuss business other than on very formal ceremonial occasions such as the installment of a new Governor-General.
More information is available here.