Clark faces challenges to keep Liberals united

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Clark faces challenges to keep Liberals united
Rumours that Falcon's camp is switching to Conservatives
John Ackermann/Dave White Feb 28, 2011 06:59:26 AM
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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - The Liberals picked their new leader over the weekend and this morning BC is waking up with Premier-Designate Christy Clark in charge.  But there are still questions about how well she can keep the "big tent" party united.

Some blogs are buzzing that Kevin Falcon supporters may jump ship to the BC Conservatives because of Clark's federal Liberal credentials.

But the lone supporter of her bid, Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy is downplaying the rumours.  "I would say that there is one or two individuals that may be personally upset but everyone else is happy."

Party unity seems to be a big theme for Clark's transition into power.  "We're going to be a government that listens and engages with people... it's going to be a real difference for people.  So, I'm hopeful that will be one of the things we can do to that will make sure our coalition sticks together."

Bloy doesn't feel the coalition is in any danger.  "She [Clark] built the coalition.  She is the one that will hold it together.  It will survive.  It's there because of Christy Clark and the work she did."

Fellow candidates speak up

Despite her lack of support from the cabinet during the race, the candidates who didn't make the cut say they're behind Clark all the way.

Kevin Falcon lost by just a few hundred points, but says now is the time for the party to stay strong.

And he hopes BC's business sector will follow through.  "I'll be fighting hard and telling my supporters to get behind Christy and support her.  I certainly will be.  I think we're like a big family and at the end of the day, the family comes together."

George Abbott adds it's imperative the party do so.  "We know what happens when the coalition breaks down and it's the election of another NDP government.  It sets us back a decade and it's not something that I want to see happen."

Mike de Jong has no doubts.  He says we've got a talented new leader who will lead the party through the next election.  "And (whom) I believe will lead us united and lead us successfully."

He was the first one voted out of the leadership race.

The NDP is wasting no time attacking Clark and her record with the BC Liberal Government, after it was first elected in 2001.

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