The last time (I)

On June 12, 2000, Kilbride MHA Ed Byrne, Leader of the Opposition, announced his intention to resign as leader of the PC Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Later the same day, the party office issued the following press release:

PC Party president applauds Ed Byrne, prepares for leadership process

ST. JOHN'S, June 12, 2000 — Kevin O'Brien, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Progressive Conservative Party, had nothing but praise today for PC Party leader Ed Byrne, who earlier Monday announced he will step aside as Party leader to spend more time with his family.

"PC Party executive members were shocked and dismayed to hear Ed Byrne's decision. He has been a strong leader and we truly regret he is leaving, though we also fully understand and respect his reasons for choosing to go," said O'Brien. "I personally want to thank Ed Byrne for his leadership over the past two years and for his dedication to the Party. All across Newfoundland and Labrador, people have come to know and admire Ed Byrne as a tireless and effective leader, and that has put our Party in good stead."

"The timing of Ed's decision gives us a tremendous window of opportunity. His decision to remain as Party leader until a successor is chosen gives the Party the time it needs to handle the leadership process appropriately," said O'Brien.
O'Brien said he is looking forward to the months ahead and the process of selecting a new leader.

"We will be convening a meeting of the Party executive in the near future at which time we will be striking a leadership convention committee and discussing the appropriate time line for choosing a new leader," he said.

"As I see it, there are two windows of opportunity – the late fall of this year and the early spring of 2001 – but no decision has been made at this time," he said. Under the Party's Constitution, the earliest a leadership convention can be held is September 2000. The last general election was in February 1999, just a little more than a year ago.

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For more information:

Kevin O'Brien
President
Newfoundland and Labrador Progressive Conservative Party
(709) [REDACTED]