In his previous letters to the editor, Bernie Smith’s NDP colours are all too evident.
No more so than in his vitriolic attack on former Premier Campbell and his appointment as High Commissioner to the UK, to which he adds a nasty reference to PM Harper for the appointment. I do not recall Mr. Smith offering any strident words of complaint when PM Harper appointed former NDP Premier Gary Doer as Ambassador to the U.S.A.
Contrary to Smith’s assessment of Mr Campbell, who certainly made mistakes — as all politicians do, a national panel of political scientists rated his performance as being among the top three provincial premiers during his tenure. And I, for one, happen to think that the Harper appointment is an excellent one.
As a former long serving premier, Mr. Campbell will have immediate credence and the respect of his British interlocutors, which is invaluable for someone representing his/her country.
Perhaps, Mr. Editor, when in future people write such obviously politically driven letters (a la Mr. Smith) they should be asked to declare their political allegiance, although I suppose this is a forlorn hope.
For the record, I am not a member of a political party, although, over the years I have voted Conservative, Liberal and NDP.
Michael Berry (former Canadian High Commissioner to Australia and to Singapore), Qualicum Beach