Train 'em early (XXII): Sandy Collins

And finally — for now? — the other Mr. Collins, as if to outdo Mr. Davis, polishes the apple very, very vigorously, on May 6th. Curiously, he too invokes the polls:

Last, and certainly not least, I would like to thank the Premier and the entire caucus for the support during the by-election, but more importantly, since taking my seat. Upon being elected, I was openly welcomed in the caucus. As a member of this team I am given equal opportunity to pass opinions and participate. The Premier always says that each voice around that table brings a different perspective and therefore should be heard. Our newest voice, the Member for Topsail, will undoubtedly prove to be an invaluable addition to this team. I would like to again welcome our newest member and look forward to working with him in the future.

We have a strong caucus with a clear vision and it is a tremendous thing to witness this group working together. A team cannot be measured on any one individual’s ability, and while we have the most dynamic Premier this Province has ever seen, the group around him must also be equal to the challenge. Mr. Speaker, the saying, "No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it," certainly describes this caucus.
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This Province suffered from years of neglect under the former Administration. It is so easy for them now to say: It was neglected because we did not have the funds that exist today.

True, they did not have the funds that are available, but the money they did have was mismanaged and squandered. Furthermore, and more notable, the reason we currently have the funds available is due to sound decisions by this government and the persistence, dedication and strength of our Premier.
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I am surrounded by forty-three Progressive Conservative members, most of whom represent rural districts, and that simply says it all. These men and women, under the leadership of this Premier, work tirelessly for the benefit of the Province. People see and people appreciate this and are overwhelmingly satisfied with the job that has been done, and look forward to even brighter days ahead.

If the members of the Opposition are not convinced, I would suggest they look at the results from the latest opinion polls. Time after time after time after time, the numbers grow and seem to keep getting better.
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The Premier did not give us greatness; he summoned it. It was due to hard work and determination of this government and our Premier to implement a plan, a blueprint for success. As a result of that successful plan, this Province has taken its proper place in Confederation: among the top. It is safe to say that Newfoundland and Labrador has arrived.