Deputy NDP leader Thomas Mulcair arrives at a Parliament Hill news conference on Nov. 30, 2008.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
CBC Radio news reported Sunday evening that deputy NDP leader Thomas Mulcair was saying an election was more likely than not and the Conservatives would be to blame if one took place. While Jack Layton recovers from hip surgery and has left us with some more measured tones about election avoidance, Mr. Mulcair beats the war drums. Why?
There are lots of ambitious politicians on Parliament Hill and many who see themselves as leaders-in-waiting. Equally there are any number who have never met a mirror or microphone they don't like. As well there are plenty of pompous and arrogant ones. But there is only one Thomas Mulcair, who seems in a great hurry to take his boss's job.
Mr. Mulcair did win a downtown Montreal seat for the NDP in a 2007 federal by-election. That was a significant achievement for a party that rarely wins in Quebec. Mr. Mulcair held the riding in the 2008 election. For his efforts Mr. Layton made him deputy leader and may have in the process have sown the seeds of his own demise as head of the NDP.
Unlike measured, capable and respected NDP MPs such as Paul Dewar, Megan Leslie or Jack Harris - all of whom could be potential leaders - Mr. Mulcair seems to stand out as being a cheerleader for an election. My bet is Mr. Mulcair, as his televisual personality often portrays, has no interest in anything that doesn't benefit Thomas Mulcair. NDP support of a budget means a longer wait for Mr. Mulcair to have a title shot. Patience doesn't seem to be his strongest suit.
So while Jack Layton mends Mr. Mulcair mouths battle chants. A quick election and no NDP as the official opposition likely means the departure of Jack Layton. No wonder Mr. Mulcair is salivating at the process of voting against the budget.