I should say in fairness that this isn't a recent picture. It was taken September 29, 2003 - the day the last provincial election was called. Ed was stuck on stage under the hot lights for a good 45 minutes waiting for Roger Grimes and the Liberals to stop talking so the Conservatives could announce their platform. Make them wait, and make them sweat. It's a dirty trick, but hardly a new or unexpected one. Everybody was warm and the room was sweltering, but for some reason Ed was just dying up on stage, as you can probably tell.
I imagine he's much the same way today. Especially with the realization that he could be in a lot of trouble.
I'm sure the whole story isn't out yet, but at least initially it doesn't look too good. And it would not surprise me if more MHAs get burned on this. I stand to be corrected, but isn't this the first time the Auditor General has been allowed to have a crack at constituency allowance claims? If it is, I imagine there is a small horror show of abuses about to come out.
Byrne might not be the only one looking like this before all is said and done.
(Photo Copyright Craig Welsh and The Express)
4 comments:
Where were his people to hand him a Wet-nap or something? Yeesh. What's the good of having people if they don't anticipate and do something like that? (cue Entourage)
I remember that day. It was hot as Hades and the then-opposition was left waiting foeverrrrrrrr until the then-government finished their campaign kick-off speeches.
Poor guy. The last thing you want to do is stand in front of a crowd filled with cameras when you're dripping sweat.
I agree with colette!
Until 2000 and changes to the Internal Economy Commission Act, the AG audited the House books and had access to all the supporting documentation.
One of the interesting and so far undiscussed aspects of this whole scenario is the role of the IEC in 2000 and again in 2002 in frustrating any efforts by the then-AG to look at the books.
Only one of the people identified thus far was on the IEC at the time. But other prominent current and former leg members were. They may have had no knowledge of these events but this is an issue that cries out for examination as part of this whole affair.
So far the most common comment I've heard from all over is simple: get to the bottom of it. Find everyone involved. Mete out appropriate punishments.
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