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It seems that the Federal Liberals have stepped back from their initial strong stance over the upcoming budget. Michael Ignatieff had initially stated that he could not endorse a budget he disagreed with - hinting at the likely possibility of moving to topple the government this year. This however, seems not to be the case as Ignatieff has now backpedalled significantly. Ignatieff has tried to lob the ball back into the government's court, arguing that they will wait and discuss the Conservative stance on certain major policies. These contentious policies include major corporate tax cuts and the much-hyped purchase of new fighter jets for the Canadian Forces. MP for Halifax Geoff Regan recently downplayed the possibility that the Liberals would vote against the budget - indicating that the Liberals are more likely to pursue the "watch and see" game plan that has become all too common in the past several years. Even Liberal supporters have started to tire of this game. In a recent survey conducted by the Abacus group, respondents indicated overwhelmingly negative thoughts about the federal Liberal Party. The Sponsorship Scandal still dominates voters' minds and weak leadership has become a real problem for their brand. Strangely, the Liberals have tried to off load much of their responsibility as official opposition in this regard. The federal Liberals have tried to thrust the NDP into the spotlight, claiming that it would be the NDP's responsibility to vote against the budget. Naturally the NDP has responded that it is not for the Liberals to decide any of the NDP's policies or actions - it is becoming clear, however, that the concerns about weak leadership in the Liberal party are well founded. It is also becoming clear why Jack Layton has ambitions for his party to become the official opposition in the next election. While this may be extremely wishful thinking on the part of the NDP, their leader's integrity is not as circumspect. In the same Abacus poll, Layton was seen to be a central part of the party's standing in voters' minds. While they may not yet form the official opposition in the next election, it is clear from the Liberals' waffling that the NDP is currently playing a larger role as the unofficial opposition. |
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