Mr EDE - 1994-10-06
Yesterday, the Chief Minister refused to concede that his failure to confirm or deny that speculation surrounding his impending departure was causing friction within the Cabinet. Last night demonstrated that the bitterness and in-fighting within Cabinet was coming out into the open. Will the Chief Minister agree now that it is time for him to end the in-fighting and tell Territorians whether he intends to lead the CLP to the next Territory election?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am honoured by the concern shown by the Leader of the Opposition for the morale of my Cabinet. If I see an occasion in the future when I need that kind of assistance, I might even have to appeal to him to use some influence with Cabinet - that is, of course, if he is still the Leader of the Opposition. However, I do not foresee such a need arising.
I have said many times in the past, although it will probably be news again today, that my Chief Ministership will end inevitably one day, and that will be when I or my colleagues or my constituents believe that it is time. I do not know when that will be, but those are the facts of life. History shows that the demise of most political leaders is not something that is totally within their own control, and that is not stating anything other than the obvious. I may add that I am the Chief Minister, and the position is not available at present.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am honoured by the concern shown by the Leader of the Opposition for the morale of my Cabinet. If I see an occasion in the future when I need that kind of assistance, I might even have to appeal to him to use some influence with Cabinet - that is, of course, if he is still the Leader of the Opposition. However, I do not foresee such a need arising.
I have said many times in the past, although it will probably be news again today, that my Chief Ministership will end inevitably one day, and that will be when I or my colleagues or my constituents believe that it is time. I do not know when that will be, but those are the facts of life. History shows that the demise of most political leaders is not something that is totally within their own control, and that is not stating anything other than the obvious. I may add that I am the Chief Minister, and the position is not available at present.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016