Dr. Bernard Nottage, the so called front runner for leadership of the PLP, said at a recent press conference that:

“It is our role, we are the Royal Opposition, and opposition parties provide opposition, provide alternative ideas, suggest policies to the existing government and in the best circumstance we are able to cooperate with them and assist them in governing the country.” (The Tribune, Tuesday, April 22, 2008).

According to the Canadian Library of Parliament, the role of the Opposition is as follows:

“…the minority accepts the right of the majority to make decisions, provided that there is reciprocal respect for the minority’s right to dissent from these decisions and to promote alternative policies.” [More…]

On the surface, there appears to be very little difference in Dr. Nottage’s stated views and those above. But in reality, the PLP have offered limited, if anything, in the way of alternative policies since being voted out of office in May 2007.

Dr. Nottage goes on at one point to say that:

“So those who are saying that we are seeking to stifle the government are just being bothersome because they understand what opposition parties are supposed to do.”

Yet, every time I have turned the Parliamentary channel on, the Opposition have been nothing short of hyperbolic and obstructive.

While there will always be arguments among people with different political views, there are rules of conduct that all Parliamentarian’s are to follow. Unfortunately it does not seem that either side of the House of Assembly are prepared to follow them when their temper gets the best of them.

Personally, I believe the opposition would be better served in making alternative policy suggestions and trying to appear that they are a viable alternative to the present government. Walking out of Parliament and screaming like school kids does not inspire confidence in this bloggers not so humble opinion.

It is interesting that the citizenry that vote them into office are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner if they want to speak to an MP, yet they do not hold themselves to the same standard while they are supposedly “running the country”.

That’s why people are saying the PLP appear to be “seeking to stifle the government”, Dr. Nottage. Because to most citizens, being hyperbolic and obstructive is not the role of the opposition, or the government for that matter.

Will Rogers is said to have quipped once that:

“Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke”.