[RedHot25]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

Looks like Ford still has support from within the federal Conservatives. Our Finance minister is going to bat for him:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/jaso...erty-1.2463984

More than just the Finance minister apparently...

Bitter divisions inside Stephen Harper's cabinet over Toronto Mayor Rob Ford recently erupted on the floor of the House of Commons and triggered a profane battle between two of the prime minister's most powerful ministers.

In a voice loud enough for several of their cabinet colleagues to hear, Flaherty told Kenney to "shut the f--k up" about Ford.

Kenney responded angrily in kind, and although the two men were separated by four other ministers, alarmed caucus colleagues, who requested anonymity, were concerned the bilious debate might escalate beyond their control.


"I thought they might come to blows," said one MP who was not authorized to speak publicly about the incident.


"It made other caucus members feel awkward," the MP said. "Jim was very emotional and he is very protective of Ford."

Kenney's comments about Ford also upset members of the Conservatives' Greater Toronto Caucus, which Flaherty chairs.


Sources tell CBC News that some Greater Toronto Area caucus members resented Kenney's comments because they flew in the face of strict instructions to avoid commenting on the Rob Ford scandal because of the Toronto mayor's enduring popularity in some key federal ridings.


"The MPs in the GTA had worked hard to maintain their cool on the subject," said one caucus source, "and along comes Kenney and undermines them."

There have been other examples of escalating tension between caucus members spilling onto the floor of the House.


This past week, Conservative MP Kyle Seeback apologized for calling fellow Conservative Brad Butt a "bitch" during a loud exchange on the Commons floor.