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CURRENT ISSUE VOLUME 19 NO. 3 MAY/JUNE 2008
 Devils Advocate
Grading Danny
By John Risley
This issue, I offer my own unofficial "report card" on Premier Danny Williams' performance to date.
To have integrity, a report card or performance assessment must be fair. It should highlight those areas requiring improvement, provide critical comment and be complimentary toward progress and accomplishments. Some readers might well question my inclination to be fair given the perception that the Newfoundland Government's handling of the FPI matter was prejudicial to its shareholders (of which I am one). It's a fair concern but I think—no, I'm sure—I can see beyond that and assure you that I carry no grudges against Premier Williams.
In fact, that is a good place to start. I can honestly say I admire the man for being willing to serve the public in this role. It is a huge problem to attract real talent to the political arena given the harsh and constant media scrutiny, the loss of personal privacy and the toll it exacts on family life. The Premier didn't need this job, but he brings to it a quick mind, obvious intellectual ability, a tremendous work ethic, what seems to be a real passion for the responsibility and a great vision for the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.
On his election as leader of the provincial Progressive Conservative party, when it was in opposition, Premier Williams had no obvious political skills. Indeed, I remember the extent to which his party tried to keep him from saying anything given this political naivety. He has since become a master politician, adept at reading and managing public opinion. Every politician starts their careers by first learning how to read the public, very few make the transition to leading it in productive ways. This involves not telling people what they might want to hear but being honest about matters, doing what is right and then selling such policy as something which should be embraced. The Premier has what it takes to make that transition, but to date has not.
The above excerpt was taken from the most recent issue of Atlantic Business Magazine. Our complete editorial content is available in print form only. To receive a free subscription to Atlantic Business Magazine,
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