Convention's Over, Now the Work Begins?

The Conservative party just finished their first policy convention after forming the current party out of a merger between the Reform/Alliance party and the Progressive Conservative party.

I must admit to a certain degree of surprise. Relatively few resolutions seemed to stir any serious debate (it could be that holding the discussion to 4 speakers each pretty much killed any real debate). The most contentious issues landed about where I expected them to - although I was surprised to see the party actually hedge itself on a few issues like abortion rights.

I think we'll have to sit back and watch now to see where things actually go. Historically (e.g. through the late '80s and 1990s), the old Reform/Alliance party would put forward an official position that seemed - almost - reasonable. Of course inevitably, somewhere down the road some malcontent with enough profile to grab headlines would say something to completely negate the reasonableness of the previous position of the party. Whether Harper has enough of a grip on his party and those that get in front of the media is a question as yet unanswered.

I personally remain skeptical of the notion that social and fiscal conservatives can row a boat in the same direction for any real period of time. Chances are that as long as the Gomery inquiry continues to spill Liberal blood on the carpet, the Conservatives will manage to maintain the appearance of unity. I expect that to change rather dramatically after the next election - regardless of who forms the next government.

That they managed to disarm the traditional "mexican firing squad" is potentially good news. Right now, what this country needs is an effective opposition. Perhaps now, Mr. Harper can direct his attentions to being effective in the House of Commons, as opposed to the mysterious vanishing act he's been doing. (I've heard more out of Jack Layton than I have out of Harper - and at least Layton's been on topic)