On the need for a third party

Blevkog rightly criticizes Bernard Lord's apparent willingness to put public resources toward ensuring that independent MLA Frank Branch isn't around to vote down his government. But let's not pretend the NB Libs are free of responsibility in the matter either. From the CBC story:

The Liberals have refused to negotiate a pairing agreement that would allow members of Lord's government, particularly cabinet ministers, to leave the legislature in order to conduct public business without fear of the government being voted down.

Now, New Brunswick residents should certainly be concerned about the apparent benefits to both Tanker Malley and to Branch in exchange for their refusal to vote down the government. But the current goings-on also reflect the lack of a reasonable opposition party to ensure that the assembly can function. And when both the Libs and Cons go to the voters demanding a majority next time out, voters should respond by asking why neither is willing to bring even a minimal standard of civility or decorum to the table.