To this day, former MHA and MP John Efford says he’s convinced he was robbed of the provincial Liberal leadership.

Efford was one of three candidates vying for the party leadership during a contentious battle that played out on the floor of the Glacier in Mount Pearl during a raging snowstorm in 2001.

Efford, Roger Grimes and Paul Dicks were all fighting for the leadership. Dicks eventually threw his support behind Efford, but in the end, Grimes won the contest by just 14 votes.

Efford told VOCM Morning Show co-host Fred Hutton, he’s convinced he actually won. He says there were things that happened that he’s had to set aside, but it still bothers him to this day.

Efford says a ballot box went missing for 45 minutes.

He says while the president of the party initially said nothing happened he later admitted that the ballot box did go missing. Efford says he’ll never get those answers now.

Efford, who has been out of politics since announcing he would not seek re-election in the 2006 federal campaign, is fighting another battle.

The 75 year old was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago, and while he’s feeling good, he knows it’s inevitable that things are going to get worse.

He says it’s slow-moving, and he’s learning to live with it.

Efford says Alzheimer’s runs in his family.

John Efford Honoured at Sold Out Gala in Port de Grave

A packed gala was held this week to honour one of the province’s more colourful politicians.

John Efford was celebrated at the event was hosted by the Port de Grave Heritage society as their inaugural Fisher Feast Gala.

Efford and his wife Madonna were in attendance. As well guests included Premier Dwight Ball, former MHA Danny Dumaresque, Senator Fabian Manning and featured a message from former Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Efford was first elected to the House of Assembly in 1985 and served until 2001 before making the move to federal politics until 2006, during which time he served as Minister of Natural Resources.

MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave Pam Parsons calls Efford a “political warrior” and one of the best the province has ever produced.

She says he was notable for his passion, and people still quote his line from the House about seals over two decades later:

In the name of God, what do [seals] eat if they don’t eat fish?
If they don’t eat Kentucky Fried Chicken or turnips or cabbage, then they must eat fish and not codfish alone

– John Efford, April 9, 1992

Parsons says as she now represents the district Efford still calls her occasion to see how she’s doing or offer advice, and she’s proud to call him a friend.