Premier Andrew Furey is backing up Moya Greene’s assertion that the election played no role in the decision to delay the report.
Furey states that he was informed of the decision yesterday, and did not know that a media availability was being called until 7:30 this morning.
Furey says he is disappointed that the report won’t be delivered on time, but that he understands the challenges the team faces.
In speaking about possible distrust of the situation, Furey was blunt.
“There’s no boogeyman here,” says Furey, noting that they have always said there will be consultation on the report and that there is nothing for people to be fearful of.
Crosbie on Delay
(File photo.)
Opposition leader Ches Crosbie shared his thoughts on the delay in the release of the Economic Recovery Team’s interim report.
Crosbie says many undecided voters in his district were waiting until Sunday before making their decision and have been misled.
He alleges that the delay in information is a form of disenfranchisement for voters. He says it confirms their worst fears that it is a “slash and cut” report and the Liberal’s don’t want voters to see that.
He speculates that when the report that will be the premier’s “blueprint” to dealing with the province’s fiscal problems is delayed, then there’s reason to be suspicious of the contents.
Coffin on Delay
NDP leader Alison Coffin says she isn’t at all surprised about the delay.
Coffin is disappointed in Premier Andrew Furey’s comments that he was not expecting the delay. She accuses the premier of putting the election ahead of the economic future of Newfoundland and Labrador.
She expressed her scepticism in the six-week delay, which would have the report drop after the election.
She says the timing is rather convenient for Furey and that she would be more concerned with what this means for the economic future of the province.
She says it confirms what they suspected about the Liberal’s trying to “hide” the report.
