Apparently Tom Wappel will be punished.
Stephane Dion says there will be "consequences" for Liberal MPs who defied his order to oppose renewal of controversial anti-terrorism measures.
But Tom Wappel, the only Liberal to openly side with the Tory government’s motion to extend the provisions, was unrepentant and said he’s willing to pay whatever price his leader chooses to mete out.
Indeed, Wappel said he’s stunned that he was the only Liberal to vote Tuesday with the government given previous Liberal support for the security measures.
"Given that it was Liberal legislation, given that our own Liberal ministers told us that there was nothing that they could suggest to us to fix in the act, I’m flabbergasted that I now find myself the only person supporting the Liberal legislation that the Liberal ministers supported," Wappel said in an interview.
It remains to be seen what these "consequences" will be. The rumour before the vote is that Dion would refuse to sign nomination papers. Since this is Tom Wappel we are talking about Dion could do this and actually gain credibility from his base.
Comments (2)
Does Stephane prefer a birch or willow switch?
Oh Thomas, you naughty fellow you.
Posted by Alan | March 1, 2007 9:13 AM
Posted on March 1, 2007 09:13
Refusing to sign nomination papers for Wappel is probably a last resort for Dion, since the act of doing this would link back to the vote, the “soft on terror” label, and another news cycle that the Princess doesn’t need.
No, my guess is that a “coventry” act in caucus, removal from committees, and Wappel finding that he has a riding executive-supported slate or candidate to run against, is a more likely scenario. All predicated, of course, that an election is sooner rather than later.
Posted by Erik Sorenson | March 1, 2007 9:59 AM
Posted on March 1, 2007 09:59