Harper poised to crack whip in Mulroney spat

[CHIMO]

Prime Minister expected to weigh in Wednesday on Conservative caucus feud over treatment of former prime minister

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to deal Wednesday with the disagreement in his caucus over the treatment of predecessor Brian Mulroney, a senior Conservative source said.

Mr. Harper was out of the country three weeks ago when at least four members of his caucus objected to Conservative attempts to create distance between the current Prime Minister and his predecessor.

A minister caught in the centre of the disputatious caucus dismissed talk of disciplinary action when asked whether Mr. Harper might seek to punish those who complained.

“No, not at all,” said Senator Marjory LeBreton, the minister for seniors under Mr. Harper and one-time top aide to Mr. Mulroney. “I think it's over and done with right now.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090421.wPOLtories0421/BNStory/politics/home

Big headline. Strong lead in to the article.

Then only the senator in the rest of the article.

Wonder what will happen tomorrow?

[Spazito]

1. It is interesting the article is really about LeBreton....

and her actions in this feud as opposed to the bigger picture. It will be interesting to see what Harper has to say tomorrow. His poll numbers are down so the last thing he needs is a feud in his party.

[daleo]

2. The Reform-PC merger is starting to come apart

It was only power that kept them together. Now that Harper's polls are deteriorating, the strains of the unnatural alliance are showing.

Plus, Mulroney is probably pulling whatever strings he can in the background, to keep from going down with Schreiber. That is probably causing a lot of strain too.