The Premier’s decision to redraw electoral
districts and reduce the House of Assembly from 48 to 38 seats has little to do
with saving money. As his window of opportunity closes, the Premier is on the
hunt for a fix to reverse his Party’s dismal standings. His latest move seems
like pure mischief; except it has far ranging consequences.
The 10 seat reduction
represents a savings of about $10 million over four years. That is far less
than half the amount Nalcor’s Ed Martin wasted in a misguided oil exploration
plan that drilled two dry holes in Parson’s Pond!
The strategy of altering the
number of electoral ridings for political advantage is not original; though, I am
not inclined to ascribe to Paul Davis any of the skills of Prince Machiavelli
or even of former Premier Frank Moores, the latter having employed it to great
effect.
Frank Moores’ redistribution
plan was not just skilful; it had a purpose noble enough to exceed its
crassness.
