When the budget came down last week, there were 18 Tories in the legislature, seven Liberals and one New Democrat. There was one vacancy. He's affable, he's non-threatening. The perception is the government is doing a fairly good job. But opposition politicians say there are hot issues to pursue with voters.
Patronage is rampant.
I know this happens in Third World countries, but it happens right here on P.E.I. as well. It's undemocratic and it's unacceptable. Dickieson said Islanders are being told they need to show up at Tory meetings if they want jobs for the summer. Dickieson, elected in 1996, believes his party is poised to make major gains on the Island. The Liberals, under rookie leader Wayne Carew, hope to make inroads with a new team of candidates.