In an article titled Dion Dismisses Critics Of Greens Deal, we read this:
Dion doesn’t seem fazed by the criticism. “I think it’s a good decision for my country, and for our role in the world,” he said Saturday. “I’m very proud of what I have done.”
Are there more deals in the works with the Greens? Dion did not say yes, but he also didnt say no:
Dion was vague about whether he’d rule out any other deals with the Greens. “I’m just saying we have an agreement between leaders in each riding,” he said, calling May’s move “courageous.” “She has said she doesn’t want to be the Ralph Nader of Canada,” .. “She wants me as leader of this country. It’s for her to figure out how she will do that.”
Here’s another quote that shows Dion may be doing this from a co-operative/coalition stance:
With the environment emerging as a major issue with the electorate – and hence with every party – Dion said having a Green member in the House of Commons is critical to the future of the planet. “Facing exceptional problems, we need exceptional solutions,” he said.
That might as well be a quote describing the pact he signed.. because coalition/co-operative politics is a very alien concept here in Canada. Some people call this foolish.. I call it bold.
By the way, Paul Wells was exceptionally harsh on Dion when this pact first came out.. but he’s re-thought things a bit, and while he’s still skeptical, he’s offered up this to explain what angle Dion may be coming from with this - its a pretty good read.
Scott
This is the key line in the Wells piece for me:
“But you had better know that Stéphane Dion believes every word of it and that he tends to move in straight lines.”
Wells might not agree, but the thrust of the post is that Dion has honorable motivations, which undercuts much of the current criticisms.