For those interested in the internal party politics that led to Francie Ducros' resignation (she was the communications aide who was overhead referring to Bush as a moron) here's a link from today's Glock 'n' Spiel: <<http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/PEstory/TGAM/20021127/COMARTIN/Comment/comment/comment_temp/2/2/3/>>
She burned too many bridges, and when a journalist overheard her in private conversation, he had every reason to stick it to her -- but he wasn't the only one with a grudge to bear. I'll repeat just in case there's still any confusion about the difference between an Ari Fleischer and a Fran�oise Ducros, that whereas the former often issues statements in press conferences, in the Westminster system of civil service, an aide would never issue a public statement. She would help her minister (in this case the prime minister) craft a media release, and it would be people who work for her who write it and distribute it once the minister's approved it, but it's always the minister him/herself who issues the statement, or in their absence, the Parliamentary Secretary, if the portfolio has one. An aide like Ducros, while well-known to journalists and parliamentarians, was basically totally unknown to everyday Canadians except the most dedicated news junkies (I had never even heard of her, and I think I'm pretty well-informed on domestic politics). All you'd see is if the PM is giving a speech, she might be behind him on a chair, or sharing the table. But she never speaks to the press directly. This has been my direct experience working for four different cabinet ministers in the Alberta government, as well. Not quite the same situation as in the U.S. where you don't make the distinction we do between head of state and head of government. -- Marc A. Schindler Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada -- Gateway to the Boreal Parkland �Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on� � Winston Churchill Note: This communication represents the informal personal views of the author solely; its contents do not necessarily reflect those of the author�s employer, nor those of any organization with which the author may be associated. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /// ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at /// /// http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html /// ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ==^^=============================================================== This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aaP9AU.bWix1n.YXJjaGl2 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^^===============================================================
