In the race

It's official — I've decided to run for the NDP nomination. The following is a copy of the news release.

•••

Cleary announces candidacy for St. John's South-Mount Pearl

St. John’s journalist confirms he's seeking New Democrat nod


ST. JOHN’S – Ryan Cleary confirmed today that he will seek the nomination for the New Democrats in St. John’s South-Mount Pearl.


Cleary, who had been considering a return to the federal political scene in recent weeks, says the recent budget was the last straw he needed to make up his mind.


“Stephen Harper has not only shown contempt for Parliament, he has shown contempt for Newfoundland and Labrador, “ says Cleary.


“If Harper thinks he’s going to win support in this province by making cuts to DFO and Marine Atlantic and by sending the likes of Cheryl Gallant down here to insult us, he’s in for a reality check. By making cuts to programs so important to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and by having absolutely nothing for the development of Muskrat falls, Harper has shown his true attitude towards the people of this province.”


A well known Newfoundland journalist and resident of St. John’s, Cleary garnered 40 per cent of the popular vote for the NDP in St. John’s South-Mount Pearl during the 2008 election.


Cleary says another major factor in his decision to run again was the New Democrat commitment to support a judicial inquiry into the Newfoundland and Labrador fisheries.


“We’ve been warned that the Newfoundland and Labrador government has come to rely too heavily on oil and gas revenues,” says Cleary. “We’ve got to get our economic house in order and the fisheries have been managed to the point of annihilation.”


Cleary also has some criticisms for Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff, noting that the symbolic “protest vote” against the 2009 budget by the 6 Newfoundland Liberals didn’t fool anybody.


“You can’t vote against a budget one day saying you’re standing up for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, then vote in favour of it the next day and expect people not to notice. That shows a shocking lack of respect.”


Cleary says he will be focused on the priorities of families in Newfoundland and Labrador by fighting for the protection of pensions and healthcare and by ensuring that the future of the province’s economy is safeguarded.


The St. John’s nomination meeting will take place at the Battery Hotel in St. John’s Monday, March 28th.


No other candidates have declared they are seeking the nomination.

For further information:

Sally Housser – Media Officer: 613-222-5997, sally@ndp.ca

Comments

Unknown said…
YAHOO ----- WAY TO GO .
March 25, 2011 at 3:31 PM
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