It's official. Former P.E.I. premier named ambassador to Ireland
BY STAFF The Guardian
The federal Conservatives have named Pat Binns, the former Tory premier of Prince Edward Island who was defeated by the Liberals in the May provincial election, as ambassador to Ireland.
The appointment was first reported by The Guardian this morning.
Official confirmation came from Foreign Affairs late this morning.
Binns, 58, is also a former Conservative MP, who sat in the Commons from 1984 to 1988 during the prime-ministership of Brian Mulroney.
Binns announced this morning during an interview with reporters that he will immediately resign his legislature seat to take up his new job, leaving the provincial Tory leadership open.
He was a career public servant in the province before turning to politics.
First elected to the legislature in 1978, he was re-elected in 1979, 1982, 1996, 2000, 2003 and 2006.
He won the Tory leadership in 1996 and later that year ended 11 years of Liberal government to become premier.
Binns and his Conservatives won two more majority terms before his government was soundly defeated by Robert Ghiz and the Liberals last spring.
Officials in Ghiz's office said a byelection can be expected "sooner rather than later." A byelection must be called within six months.
(With files by The Guardian, The Canadian Press)
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Andy from PEI writes: Congrats Mr. Binns !
Thanks for the years of service and enjoy Dublin.
Political leadership invites controversy and brings significant baggage the longer you are in a top job. Those who are so critical only have to look back at 1996 and 2000 when Islanders were so quick to deride the efforst of Keith Milligan/Catherine Callbeck and Wayne Carew/Ron MacKinley.
What goes around comes around when you serve in the public eye.
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Thomas from PE writes: Losing Binns this early after the election is the worst thing that could happen to the once proud and mighty blue machine. It is officially now a reeling rump with no hopes of having an impact on Island life for many years to come.
It is going to be a long long road in opposition. Binns could of stuck it in a little longer to start the rebuilding of the party that was once considered under his leadership to be untouchable.
The reward for ensuring Harper will never come close to winning a seat in PEI, and that the PC Party will never win another election for the next 10 years? Appointment!
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Ross from PEI writes: It's funny how they always come up smelling like roses. What about the millions of tax payer dollars, (AKA OUR MONEY) lost on crab fishing due to his patronage and undue influence? Hopefully he can bring some good old Irish green to PEI. If nothing else he seems to be good at making his friends rich.
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Positive Spin For The Liberals from PEI writes: Hey Thomas (#2) thanks for the refreshing and positive spin you have put on this story ... yeah, no PC government for years, and years to come!
Thanks Pat ... bye, bye!!!
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JO'K from PE writes: Harry Mac, the word is 'riddance'. Or were you attempting something clever using the past participle or 'ride'? If so, I don't get it.
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dr who from town, town writes: why do we need ambassadors in places like Ireland.
hope he gets well versed in the tender politics over there. still tender now.
why not send him and others to places ........countries that need better relations with the west? seems it may serve a better purpose.
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congratulations from pei writes: Congratulations Ambassaror Binns, this is a fantastic appointment for PEI considering our connection to the Irish. some of you posting seem like you think this is the first ambassador ever appointed. these are important positions for all canadians and it is very important we have good people in them. Pat Binns will serve us well
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Josh Lewis from PEI writes: Ok, Guardian staff, thanks for deleting all the congratulatory comments, letting the slanderous comments from Liberal morons on their government computers stay.
I can't say I'm surprised.
Once again, farewell to a great premier and great man. You will truly be missed Pat.
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how does this happen from pei writes: a very positive story about our former Premier and the guardian is able to get the name Ghiz and Liberal in twice. amazing
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Wellington Boy Wellington from Wellington, P.E.I. writes: I thought he was was going to stick around and take some abuse for awhile. Guess not skin is too thick or feel to guilty for what you did to the island.Good bye and good luck. Hope you grow good beans in Ireland. We know what beans produce in the end.
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Harry Mac from PEI writes: Spellin's never been my strong suit, but as an old retired Islander, I say, we're a far better place to have seen the passing of the likes of him. History will only speak about the level of corruption of his govenment. Probably, historians will footnote the fact that they(PEI CONSERVATIVE PARTY) were eventually shipwrecked by the old reformers on the one side and the growing greens on the other.
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Kilm from PEI writes: Perhaps some of you bitter Liberals need to take a lesson from your leader, who has responded to the former Premier's announcement with grace:
STATEMENT BY PREMIER ROBERT GHIZ ON THE APPOINTMENT OF PAT BINNS
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI
On behalf of the Government of Prince Edward Island, I want to congratulate Pat Binns on his appointment to a prominent and well-deserved position.
“Islanders should be confident that Mr. Binns will serve the interests of our province and country in a thoroughly professional manner.
“In leaving provincial politics, Mr. Binns deserves the thanks of all Islanders for his long record of dedicated service to Prince Edward Island’s public affairs. A former provincial Cabinet Minister, Premier, Member of Parliament and Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Binns has always acquitted himself with both warmth and depth.
“Few Islanders have devoted so much of their lives to public service - and Mr. Binns’ long and often distinguished record will form an important chapter in the history of our province.
“At a more personal level, I want to thank Mr. Binns for his many years of elected and community service to the province, and wish he and his family all the best in the new tasks ahead.”
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George Lawrence from Thunder Bay, Ontario writes: I believe most Islanders would agree,that dispite some political differences of opinion and policy,Mr Binn is a honourable gentleman.He is qualified for the appointment as a ambassador for our country,and will represent our Canada,and PEI,values while in Ireland.Good Luck Sir.
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Sally from Summersie, PEI writes: Was anyone really surprised that Harper found a position for Pat Binns?
I predicted that he would never sit as opposition leader the day his government went down. He, himself has said on several occassions that he would not enjoy or be good in opposition.
Pity Mitch Murphy didn't get an appointment...oh, sorry I forgot...he got his job back at the Western School Board even though he was not entitled since his job was only secure if he stayed in cabinet for one term. Can't say Robert Ghiz isn't a fair person.
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Ashley O'Brien from Morell, PEI writes: There certainly could have been a better choice based on history. With many of the smaller countries around the world, it's not always possible to choose a qualified person to be ambassador. However, there must be literally hundreds of potential qualified diplomats of Irish descent in Canada. Why would a man of English descent be chosen? Does Mr. Harper forget that Ireland fought for over 700 years for freedom from England, with thousands of lives lost. Does he forget that Ireland voluntarily left the Commonwealth. Does he forget that it is England today that is preventing Ireland from being a united nation? Yes, I believe a better choice could have been made.
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