Harper Lacking Credibility

In a year-end interview with Mark Kennedy of Postmedia News, Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his version of the Wright-Duffy controversy. His comments on that subject however seem less than convincing. Harper’s observation that he does not know why anybody would give money to someone who didn’t deserve it is somewhat naïve in this instance. Based on previous reports, we know that Nigel Wright and Mike Duffy were never very close friends. With that in mind, one plausible explanation, that almost everyone in Canada with the exception of Harper seems to find merit in, is that Wright was trying to shield his boss from the issue. Even though Harper may not agree with the actions of Wright, rather than voice negativity, he could have and should have communicated a comment that he understood why Wright may have acted in the manner he did. From my perspective, Mr. Harper’s so-called consternation regarding Wright’s actions is lacking in credibility. Although he may have been disappointed in Wright, many Canadians are likely disappointed in him. While Mr. Harper may have plans to weather the next election, the clouds of concern with his leadership may not fade away that quickly.