Lying Brian Surfaces Again
| 11/13/2007 | Posted by Patti under Canadian Politics |
Brian Mulroney was probably one of the least popular Prime Ministers this country has ever had. Many of his critics, and there were many, referred to him as ‘lying Brian’. My late father, a to the core Conservative, was among those who reviled Mulroney. He would often say that the only time Mulroney told the truth was when his mouth was shut. During his final days in office and to this day questions have swirled about his honesty and integrity.
Occasionally, the questions would venture into the public with revelations that the RCMP were investigating either Mulroney or those around him for their conduct while in office. The last time this exploded into public view was during Chretien’s time in office. The issue was an alleged kickback scheme involving the purchase of aircraft and allegedly involved German-Canadian businessman Karlheinz Schreiber.
Mulroney denied any business dealings with Schreiber either while in or out of office. A good defense being an even better offense, Mulroney sued the government for libel. Presumably for lack of evidence the government apologized and paid Mulroney $2.1million to settle the suit but the questions about a $300,000 alleged payment persisted.
Ties between the government of Stephen Harper and Mulroney tend to run rather deep even if a bit of a love hate relationship. A younger Harper walked away from the Conservatives into the Reform party in part because of Mulroney’s pandering to Quebec. Something Harper has done his share of. Harper has also looked to Mulroney as a bit of a mentor since he came to power. Harper has drawn on more than one Mulroney era croony to fill positions for his government.
As the opposition hammered home the issue of Mulroney’s conduct and the allegations surrounding his time in office, Harper has found it increasingly difficult to stand by his friend. Initially responding in his usual bravado manner of warning the opposition that they might not like where a probe of Mulroney might take them in regards to their own conduct.
Last week after news that Schreiber had named Harper in court documents was revealed, Harper had to stand down some. He said there would be an independent third party review of Mulroney and until that was completed, he wanted his people to stay clear of Mulroney. Wise move, not likely an easy move considering the ties between them.
Never one to shy from brinkmanship, last night Mulroney himself called on Harper to initiate a full public inquiry into the affair covering from 1988 until the present. Mulroney is either incredibly arrogant and figures he has his butt well covered or he’s planning on this inquiry to get bogged down in legalities and the truth buried with it. Could get interesting.
Hmm, $75000 un accounted for ($300000 Schreiber says given vs $225000 Mulroney says received). It looks small compared to the total but most of us can live pretty good on $75000 of undeclared income!!