Liberals believe they can get onto their feet and into power with a fresh faced leader with no baggage.
That’s according to political scientist Don Desserud, reacting to the NB Liberal leadership race that saw 30-year-old Brian Gallant win the top job.
He says while experience is always better than no experience, New Brunswick has a track record of young leaders getting into power more quickly. Desserud says there are two types of experience. One is having a leader of the opposition that’s effective and capable of growing a strong enough profile so the party can move into power. The second is the experience of once you’re in power, being able to govern successfully and renew that mandate in the next election.
Desserud says being a leader is more than personality and charm, it’s about coming up with a credible policy that marks your part. He says an example of that is coming up with a new way of dealing with old problems, such as the economy, health care, and education.
He finishes by saying people are craving somebody with ideas, not statements, and maybe a fresh approach is the right one.
