PETER MILLIKEN VOTED BACK IN AS SPEAKER on the 5th ballot. Thank you to all who put their name forward and I look forward to this next parliament.

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Having watched the video presentations that Stephen Taylor presented on his blog yesterday, I got a better look at the candidates we do not see as often in the House of Commons. Out of the ones viewed, that I was most impressed with was Barry Devolin. He has a calmness and strength about him and has what I would be looking for as far as the physical presence in the Speaker’s Chair. He also spent a great deal of time thinking about the role of Speaker and how he would like to see it managed and played out. He is my choice.

I wonder how many MP’s took advantage of the videos Stephen put out for them. The MP’s have been busy and may not be sitting around a computer as one of their priorities. It is a shame that all the contenders did not take advantage of the invitation to answer a few questions and to make their views known. Royal Galipeau was busy in his riding. Peter Milliken said he was not talking to the press or media of any kind.

Mr. Mauril Belanger was unable to hook up to Stephen by telephone but I am convinced he made a good try to do so. He would have been my second choice. I would be going on memory here though on what I remember about his performances in the House of Commons. He also has the “presence” needed and seems to be a guy with a very serious nature, not to mention his many years of parliamentary experience.

Mervin Tweed has a quiet presence about him that I enjoyed. He also has a lot of provincial ministerial experience, along with running a private business throughout his lifetime. In his video interview he seemed a bit nervous, but that is fine, he came across well and I was with him for quite a while until I viewed Mr. Devolin’s interview. Mr. Tweed is too nice a guy, just as is said about Mr. Milliken. It is just not quite what is needed today in parliament.

Mr. Scheer did his interview well but we have more than had a good look at him in the House of Commons. He has learned a lot but I do not feel he has the complete control presence and experience that would be needed at this time. He has a nice thread of humour within him that is needed and welcome. The future looks bright for Mr. Scheer.

Joe Comartin made himself available for Stephen’s video presentation and I applaud him for that. I remember many of his presentations in the House and just do not come away feeling he would be the best choice for speaker. I need a bit more humour displayed, funny as that comment is. An honourable and well intentioned man all the same, just not my choice.

Peter Milliken is keeping himself out of the public view. This is a mistake as he needs to mingle and give us something more to go on than just what we remember of him within the Speaker’s role. He missed a great opportunity. As in all positions, being in one too long causes one to lose perspective and growth. This could be what has happened to Mr. Milliken. Parliament lost control in the last few months of it’s tenure and he has to take the “fall” for it. However, many MP’s might not feel like I and many others do and he may sail himself right back into the position. If he does, let us hope that he has taken note of the views expressed about his performance and make some changes. He seemed a bit like he was on automatic pilot in this last session. I did not like the way the liberal MP’s were able to convince him to issue a warrant for the appearance of a certain witness. That will never be forgotten.

Royal Galipeau does not get my vote either. Not that he is not a good candidate, but going on his performance in the House of Commons, I did not feel then, nor do I now, that he could carry off what is needed to keep members in line.

Maybe this blogger is just being too Mrs. Fusspot here but she felt she should write her views. The time is not far off where we will know for sure.

Come and watch it play out. Make comments to any blogger who is open on this subject.

Have a great day .