It is trite to say Lorraine Michael loved being leader of the New Democratic Party. It was as if her years as a social activist had prepared her for the role. Of course, the love wasn't always requited. Things did not go as she might have liked, either. But, then, seldom do they for most leaders. Her resignation, last week, suggests an appraisal of her performance is required, as well as that of her Party, as it heads into a new leadership
race.
It also goes
without saying Ms. Michael will be recognized and applauded for having won five
seats in the last election; the NDP’s previous best achievement was just one. For
most of the Party’s fifty-four years of political history, the number was zero.
That
success was due, in part, to her personal credibility, intelligence, and the
passions that inspired her well-articulated support of social policy
issues. The fact that the additional
seats were won when the electorate was still suffering “Dan-gue” fever added to
the achievement; the NDP enjoyed popular support reaching 20%, according to CRA
Polls (a virtual tie with the Liberals), up to the time of its sudden implosion.
It is easy enough
to dismiss the Party because Messrs. Kirby and Mitchelmore left in a fit of pique
amidst a full blown caucus revolt; undermining its progress and Michael’s
leadership. Their move certainly impacted the Party’s fortunes, but I am
doubtful it is the sole cause.
