Doug Horner is a politician – an occupation considered slightly more useful in society than lawyers and newspaper columnists, but only slightly. He is also a decent-minded public servant who has served this province with courtesy, honour and integrity.
The recent attacks by opposing politicians whose ambition is to defeat the government that he belongs to are to be expected. The gleeful sword thrusts by the CBC and Alberta press who have been more interested in scandal than balanced reporting were similarly anticipated. Bad news sells readership and TV ads.
Sadly, the tepid support that he has received from his fellow Progressive Conservative caucus members and from the outgoing Premier David Hancock, is discouraging. Discouraging because it demonstrates cowardly timidity that is unworthy of honourable men and women.
The question now is what will incoming Premier Jim Prentice do. Will he shy away from Mr. Horner, who served with distinction and loyalty under a tragically egocentric premier. Or, will he have the courage to continue to have Mr. Horner’s experience and talent close at hand. The former would be an act of an insecure personality. The latter course would require what we need so badly in our political leaders – intellectual courage and leadership.
Alan Murdock, St. Albert
