Madam Speaker, I have been here all morning and I must congratulate my colleague who moved the motion because it has certainly led us into some interesting forays through present and past history. I have lost my way every now and then of course, because we have not been sticking to the point. We have more interest in what we have hidden here that we must get expressed.
I have two questions for the hon. member who spoke so eloquently. He seems to have forgotten when he talks about patronage appointments that the undisputed master of patronage appointments was the Right Hon. Brian Mulroney, his party's former leader. After a very telling cut at Mr. Turner in the debate when he said, “You did have an option, sir”, he then proceeded in his nine years in office to make more patronage appointments than any other prime minister before or since.
The member talked about fear of re-election keeping the backbenchers of the Liberal Party in line. I would like him to explain that for me. I have no fear of re-election. I have no fear of the PMO. I have no fear of anybody and I am a backbencher.