It's hard to imagine that just under three years ago, Belinda Stronach ran for the Conservative party leadership with an unprecedented pledge: If she was chosen leader and went on to become Prime Minister, not only would she serve two four-year terms and no more but she would also work for free and not accept any salary either as PM or as an MP. Not like she needed the cash anyway; she is after all the heiress to one of the biggest auto parts empires in the universe.
But it really made me think two things: One, here was a person who was sincere and wanted power to do good, not power for powers' sake. Two, she was trying to take the merged party to the centre -- the progressive centre; and had she succeeded, I think there's little doubt she would have demolished Paul Martin on the first try.
The train had left the station, however, and it was clear Stephen Harper was too tied to the right. So her later defection to the Martin Liberals wasn't too much of a surprise although the timing, just a couple of days before a no-confidence vote, was very suspicious. And what was the big deal with her relationship with Peter Mackay anyway, or rather why did the media make such a big deal? She's a single mom, she can date and dump whoever she wants, just like any other woman.
A few months later, she found herself in opposition with the rest of the Liberals. And rather than go for a sure thing -- the Liberal leadership -- she took a pass. Now she's quitting politics all together and going back to Magna effective immediately. Greener pastures, maybe? Or is she hoping Stéphane Dion crashes and burns in the next election?
Stronach would have been a very tough but fair Minister of Finance if she stayed on. But she's made her choice and of course it is respected. Her departure leaves quite a big hole in Newmarket-Aurora and the party's going to have to find someone who can stand on his or her own and not just ride Dion's coattails. I wish Stronach the best of luck in her chosen path.
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