By Megan Ion
The race is on for Ottawa Centre Conservatives to choose a representative for the Nov. 29 federal byelection.
Two candidates are vying for the nomination. Lawyer Michael Murphy was the first to submit his papers on March 12 while University of Ottawa student Mark Donnelly filed nomination papers on March 16.
Murphy, a self-described “fresh-faced” newcomer to politics says one of his main reasons for getting involved in politics is due to the need for an alternative choice for voters in Ottawa Centre.
“My interest level has only really picked up in the last four or five years and that’s really because of the apparent lack of choice that was seen federally in particular,” says Murphy.
“The Canadians in Ottawa Centre and elsewhere need a real choice so that’s really motivating me.”
Donnelly has also noticed this issue. He says there is a lot of cynicism among Canadians when it comes to federal politics which is the driving force behind his enthusiasm.
“I think there’s a real belief that Canadians feel disenfranchised and they don’t feel like they…can make an individual difference,” says Donnelly.
“That’s something I feel very strongly about each and every individua .”
Murphy, a 10-year resident of Ottawa Centre, grew up in downtown Toronto, or as he jokes, “Toronto Centre.”
After studying law at the University of Moncton, Murphy, who is fully bilingual, came to Ottawa.
The 41-year-old worked for a number of years as a lawyer with the federal department of justice before becoming the general manager of Calabogie Peaks, a ski resort an hour west of Ottawa, in 1998.
While at the resort, Murphy says he was able to “clean up house” and turn around a business that was underperforming financially, something he says the current federal government needs to take a hard look at doing.
“The current government was successful in its first mandate in addressing the deficit issues. Since that time and over the last several years, they have been less successful in controlling spending…I feel I could certainly help in that area.”
After a year of graduate studies in business at the University of Ottawa, Murphy opened his own legal/business consulting firm in May 2003.
Although he is virtually unknown in politics, Murphy says his unfamiliar face won’t hurt his chances in the nomination.
“I believe the party is welcoming people like me who are relatively new to politics,” he says, referring to Conservative party newcomers such as Belinda Stronach, who ran for the leadership of the party but lost to Stephen Harper at the convention held last weekend in Toronto.
Donnelly agrees. The 21-year-old business and music student says he is very excited to be involved with the Conservative party.
“There’s a real direction I see in this party and I want to help shape the identity of the new party,” he says.
Donnelly, a graduate of Ottawa’s Canterbury high school, is heavily involved in the arts community.
In addition to his interest in business and economics, Donnelly is learning to conduct music as well as sharpening his vocal skills.
In his spare time, he teaches private singing and oboe lessons to high school students.
Donnelly says he has received positive feedback from family, friends and the Ottawa Centre Conservative party members regarding his decision to run for the nomination, (even on the topic of his age.)
“There’s a real sense that people want a well-rounded person…someone fresh, someone with new ideas, but also with the business and economic perspective,” he says.
Ottawa Centre Conservative riding president Tom Thompson says no matter who is chosen as the candidate, he has an excellent chance of winning the riding in the election, even when up against the likes of Liberal candidate Richard Mahoney, New Democrat Ed Broadbent and Green party candidate David Chernushenko.
“I know the Liberals have had a hard time in this riding in terms of voter suppor,” he says.
“People are upset about the Liberal’s use of taxpayer money and they aren’t doing so well in the opinion of the public,” he says.
“There will be sentimental support for Ed Broadbent…” but it’s unlikely that people will vote for a party that will most likely land in third or fourth place on a national scale”, says Thompson.
The conservative nomination meeting will take place on March 30 at San Marco Hall, 215 Preston St.