Here we are, not even 2 months into a Conservative majority government and already the media is clamouring about the heated race to replace Stephen Harper as leader of the Party. I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that Mr. Harper was retiring anytime soon. Today's poll question; when should Stephen Harper retire? He's only 52 years old, so he has at least 20 years of productivity left if he even wants to keep the job that long. Prime Minister is a very difficult and demanding job. If he leads the party into the next election and wins another majority, why would he leave before 2020?
What if the Tories win 4-6 consecutive majorities? That will not be as difficult as it sounds once we destroy the Liberal Party. Should we continue with the status quo for the next 2, 3, or 4 majorities? I think we should retain the services of Stephen Harper for at least 3 more majorities. Who should be the next leader of the Conservative Party? Get back to me in 2025...
And yes, my tongue was in my cheek writing this post, responding to the latest media speculation of a behind the scenes power struggle to replace Stephen Harper.
Some politcal scientists are predicting Stephen Harper has the potential to be a modern day MacKenzie King - he could be PM for 20 years or more. But I remember him saying he doesnt want to be a career politician. So I predict he will step down at the end of this current mandate, even though I hope will stay on longer. He is the best PM we have ever had, at least in my lifetime, and I'm 51.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Media is really disappointed, and struggling with, the fact that the Conservatives won a majority instead of another minority gov't. Look at the things they're spending most of their time reporting on, and the "non-issues" that preoccupy their time. A minority gov't, with a looming coalition, would have almost done their jobs for them. Now, we're stuck with the canonization of Bridgette DePape, and whether Stephen Harper cuts his toenails with his right hand, or left. Absolute junk, but completely expected.
ReplyDeleteAs for when Stephen Harper should retire, I'm in no hurry to see him leave 24 Sussex. I've read in the past(before he was PM) that he believed Prime Ministers should only serve two terms as to avoid stale government, and allow for fresh ideas and leadership. So I guess if you count his two minority terms and his current majority one, that could add up to the two terms he was referring to. But from what I've seen from him during his time at the helm, I will continue to support him as long as he wants the job, and all others will just have to wait. Although, when the Prime Minister does decide to move on, I could certainly see myself supporting John Baird or Maxime Bernier before Mackay or Kenney.
when should craig oliver, heather mallick, and booby rae retire?? lol
ReplyDeleteI'd say after the 4th consecutive majority government should be good enough...
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that Chretien was in there forever. But I think PM Harper should leave after another 4 years. His family needs a break!
ReplyDeleteHarper should retire after the current term,he's done his job,and as "anon" says,his family needs a break.
ReplyDelete2030 sounds ok with me.Why tinker with a good thing.No one wanted Gretzky to retire.Have we not learned any lessons from the past,if it's not broke don't try to fix it.When he is ready to go he will go on his own terms,not on Fife,s or Milewski,s or Oliver or Mallick or anyone in the rotten MSM.The chess master is still a game or two ahead of these BOZOS and that is being polite.
ReplyDeleteOne year before the end of the next mandate. 2018 sounds about right.
ReplyDeletePM Harper should leave Canadian politics when he chooses to do so, but I figure he might want to leave AFTER the next Conservative majority government, when all Conservative gains have been firmly consolidated and entrenched. He should then move on to the international scene (IMF?) to try to fix up some of the messes existing there.
ReplyDelete-- Gabby in QC
In business any good CEO or President has a succession plan to ensure a smooth transition on their retirement.I don't think it's unreasonable for the PM to be looking down the road and making some plans.
ReplyDeleteId like to see him go ASAP so we could have a real conservative leader.
ReplyDelete"But I remember him saying he doesnt want to be a career politician."
ReplyDeleteHarper said this? Harper is a career politician.
Because of how far left he has taken the CPC and after finally getting his majority he has promised to stay on that path I think he should resign last week or yesterday at the latest.
ReplyDeleteWell Bob Devine, thankfully old so-con dinosaurs like you will so be a thing of the past.
ReplyDeleteI am 46 and can understand that moving the CPC to a centrist position was both prudent and required in a minority position. Alot of citizens my age are fiscally conservative while being more socially liberal...unlike your age group (judging by your photo). We like that Mr Harper is very pragmatic and committed to serving the needs of all Canadians, not just the angry old trucker demographic.
Mr Harper is the best Prime Minister of my lifetime and he can feel free to hold the office until he is a very old man.
I'm young, fiscally conservative, and socially liberal and I think Harper is doing a horrible job trying to be a centrist.
ReplyDeleteHe has not shown fiscal responsibility, and he is a social conservative who has been trying not to scare anybody off by not mentioning it. Harper has been in power for over 5 years and what can he say he has done? People talk about how well he handled the economy during the recession, what did he to? He was forced into stimulating the economy and that's all he did.
He's been leader for 10 years. Time for new blood. I remember when the Reform Party supported term limits. All the Reform ideas are on the trash heap of history.
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