File under “playing with fire in a fireworks factory”, word is that the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc are seriously considering calling for a confidence vote that could force another Federal election.
Incensed opposition parties are threatening to topple Stephen Harper’s Conservative minority and have begun informally exploring the idea of cobbling together a governing coalition. The Liberals are taking the taking the prospect so seriously that some MPs are privately discussing ways to dump Leader Stéphane Dion without waiting for their party’s scheduled May 2 leadership vote. Sources say former prime minister Jean Chretien has been approached for advice on how to massage Mr. Dion’s early exit. Sources say NDP Leader Jack Layton has cancelled a trip to Vancouver to take part in the opposition talks that went on through much of Thursday.
link: globeandmail.com: Confidence vote: Opposition parties say they will vote no
My thinking is: Are they nuts?!?
Okay, the Conservatives haven’t taken the bull by the horns to deal with the economy, and that seems preternaturally stupid, but I don’t think the electorate would be terribly enthused with another election so soon.
While this would make for a record five times I’ve voted this fall, I don’t think a coalition government would last very long (not with Dion or Layton at the helm and if the Bloc had any power most of Canada would call for a recall of the buggers).
This might be political brinksmanship at its worst. With a snap election I don’t think many people will vote (voting in winter, umm yeah no) or give the other parties a resounding victory. I see either a slim Conservative majority or a weaker minority government.
