Sunday, May 1, 2011

Minority Government Society To Greet Election Day With Champagne Breakfast

The Turnip
Somerset, PEI
May 1, 2011
Society members anticipate 2012 election

For members of Prince Edward Island's Minority Government Society, it is a new dawn.

Literally. At dawn, on election day, May 2, devotees of unstable, doomed parliaments will gather in pubs across the Island, kicking off a long day of socializing, hypothesizing, and anxiously awaiting results of the federal election.

Members begin the day with a tasteful breakfast of eggs and champagne, a tradition dating to the Sir Alexander Mackenzie/Liberal minority of 1873. Most dress for the occasion, wearing patchwork suits and dresses made from quilted linens, which represent the tenuous, ill-fated bonds of a fragile parliament.

"It is a big commitment and a lot of work," smiled Stephanie O'Gallant, president of the Somerset chapter, "but a day like this only comes along every two years or so. We'll be here into the wee hours, but the eyes of the world will be on us, and we want to share in the celebration."

Standing near an event banner reading "154 seats... or less!", O'Gallant went on to defend the oft-maligned minority, arguing that increased accountability is closer to the ideal of responsible government, and that another election in 2012-13 equates to more jobs for the burgeoning pollster industry and Elections Canada.

"If we are blessed with a fourth consecutive minority...", paused O'Gallant, her voice breaking with emotion. "It will be a testament to our democracy. No matter who gets in, our great nation will enjoy another era of responsiveness and transparency, lasting anywhere from 3 to 18 months."

[Photo credit (via Creative Commons License)]


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