[Dion]

Disgruntled MLAs ponder next steps

Premier Redford’s ‘work plan’ met with skepticism

However, a smaller group of 10 PC Tory MLAs unhappy with Redford’s leadership talked Sunday night about their options, which include sitting as an independent caucus or presenting their own set of conditions to the premier, according to an MLA who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The MLA — one of two to confirm the meeting — is skeptical about both the substance and potential effectiveness of the party’s idea.

“Do I have any hope in hell getting re-elected in 2016 under a work plan? Not really,” said the politician.

However, a PC board member who spoke Sunday said the plan — which has not yet been finalized — is likely to include demands for greater communication between the premier, party and caucus, and could call for changes to the functioning and staffing of the premier’s office.

It could also set a timeline for the party to see improvement in the polls.

“I think it’s pretty clear Albertans have had her on probation for some time — now we do too,” said the director, who attended Saturday’s meeting.

Mount Royal political analyst David Taras said he’s never heard of a political party requiring a sitting premier to complete a work plan.

“And then what are they going to do? Say, ‘you got a C-plus, here’s more homework?’” he asked.

Taras said it’s the equivalent of being hauled up to the front of the classroom and for Redford, it’s not only humiliating, but politically damaging.

“It’s the indignity of this, the taking authority away from her,” he said. “Who makes the decisions? If she’s not making the decisions, and someone else is making the decisions, then it really is the beginning of the end.”

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/po...621/story.html