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What was Smith’s real motivation?

Since Jim Prentice has proven himself to be a political cynic of the first water — his motive for welcoming the grasping, duplicitous Danielle Smith et al could only have been to destroy the official Opposition in a stroke — allow me to show similar colours in naming a possible reason for the action she took: money.

Since Jim Prentice has proven himself to be a political cynic of the first water — his motive for welcoming the grasping, duplicitous Danielle Smith et al could only have been to destroy the official Opposition in a stroke — allow me to show similar colours in naming a possible reason for the action she took: money.

Smith would get an instant raise of at least $50,000 upon being sworn in as a cabinet minister, which you would think she demanded and got from Prentice as a quid pro quo for her slither across the floor, plus a far fatter pension when she deigns to take her leave of the elected life. Plus the many, many other rich perks, of course (e.g. the ability to stuff her office with friends seeking a vacation from the real world with pay).

She is gambling that the risk of losing her job from voter anger in the near future is far less than the long-term financial benefit. And sad to say, it’s a good bet, one that any cold-eyed Vegas devotee would take in a heartbeat. So accuse her of many things, but not her lack of an eye for the main chance, cash-wise.

Why am I reminded of the Mark Twain quote, “It shines and stinks like a mackerel by moonlight”?

Roderick MacGregor

Ponoka AB