The following is being distributed at the request of Jim Walsh, MHA - Conception Bay East-Bell Island:

Flip - Flop - Flip : Two Questions

The MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island is confused and perplexed by recent statements coming from various members of the Opposition. "Rarely does one witness a flip-flop-flip in such a short time," says Jim Walsh, MHA and Parliamentary Secretary for Housing.

The recent dissension in the Tory caucus over the Auditor General�s Report raised two questions that the current leader of the Official Opposition must answer as it is becoming more and more confusing to determine which position Mr. Williams is espousing.

On February 8, the Opposition House Leader Ed Byrne stated publicly that his leader, Mr. Williams, was aware of the significance of the decision of the Internal Economy Commission to retain its own auditor in October 2001. This decision was not made lightly, but reflects the fact the Auditor General should not be completing audits of her own employer. This in itself could lead to the perception of bias treatment for or against members of the House of Assembly, her employer. However, last week, Mr. Williams contradicted Mr. Byrne by stating that he was not aware of the decision until February 1, when he read the Auditor General�s report. Mr. Williams then later insulted Mr. Byrne when he tried to clarify his story by saying that he was not aware of the importance of the decision taken by Mr. Byrne and Mr. Sullivan.

It is now time for Mr. Williams to publicly state that either he has misled the public with respect to when he was aware of the issue, or confirm that Mr. Byrne and Mr. Sullivan did not do their jobs. If Mr. Williams maintains his story, it is obvious that Mr. Byrne and Mr. Sullivan failed to inform him of the significance and ramifications of their actions as his representatives on the Internal Economy Commission - who is telling the truth?

The second question relates to statements made today by the Opposition leader�s Director of Communications that are in direct contradiction with Mr. Williams stated position of a week ago. Today, it appears that the position of the PC party supports the views expressed by Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Byrne; "if the Internal Economy Commission decides to change its position .... that�s great. If they don�t, then that is a policy that our party (supports), if and when we form the next government." However, last week, the leader of the Opposition clearly advised the public that he is not bound by the old policies and platforms of Mr. Byrne and Mr. Sullivan if his party formed the government after the next election. Mr. Williams cannot have it both ways. Mr. Williams must declare what is his party�s position today and does he support the view being promoted by his own Director of Communications and his two former leaders?

Walsh says it is clear to all political watchers that there is great confusion within the PC caucus as it relates to this issue. "It makes one wonder if there is equal confusion over other major issues important to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," the MHA stated.

Media contact: Jim Walsh, (709) 724-3016.

2002 02 20                          3:15 p.m.