By Mark Squibb
Folks from Petty Harbour to St. Shotts and every town in between may experience a sense of déjà vu when they cast their ballots in this upcoming provincial election.
On the ballot will be incumbent MHA Loyola O’Driscoll, who is a Progressive Conservative, and returning Liberal candidate Cheryl O’ Brien, who previously challenged O’Driscoll in the 2021 election.
“It’s been on my mind ever since,” said O’Brien of the 2021 loss. “Even though I’ve probably joked with myself a few times over the past four years that maybe I wouldn’t run again, I think in my heart of hearts I knew I would because I love this place so much.”
O’Brien said there are major concerns that need to be addressed by the provincial government, including a crushing provincial debt – much of which can be attributed to the Muskrat Falls fiasco – as well as increasing crime, the skyrocketing cost of living, and a need for greater economic development.
O’Brien had good things to say about current Liberal leader and premier John Hogan.
“He’s a good leader,” said O’ Brien. “He listens, he communicates, he stays calm, he delivers well, he seems to have his finger on the pulse of all the issues that matter to me. He’s steady, and I like his middle of the road approach. I think he’s a great leader at a time when we need a great leader.”
O’ Brien had worked as a civil servant for nearly 30 years, but is perhaps better known as the owner of O’Brien’s Clover Farm Supermarket in Cape Broyle.
“I’m very much a people person,” said O’Brien. “And I hate to sound cliché, but anybody who knows me knows that and can verify that. I listen to people, I respond to people. I’m going to be very, very accessible. This is not a job for me – I have a couple of those already.”
The Ferryland district is a conservative stronghold of over 50 years. Voters in Ferryland were last represented by a Liberal in 1971, a year before O’Brien was even born.
She wants to change that trajectory this election.
“I’ve helped a lot of people over the years in countless ways, and I just want to continue to do it on a bigger scale,” said O’ Brien. “I think we live in the best place in the world, but I think we need to see more progress here. We need more supports here, and we need to be better heard and represented… I want to help make this place better, and I want to represent the people. I want to make sure that Ferryland district gets its fair share and that its voice is heard at the table.”
Progressive Conservative incumbent Loyola O’ Driscoll, who was elected during a 2019 by-election, and re-elected in 2021, said he’s running on his record.
“I’ve been in there six years and think I’ve done a good job of answering questions that have been asked,” said O’Driscoll. “I’ve been acting on behalf of my constituents.”
O’Driscoll’s first turn at politics was as a member of Bay Bulls council. Outside of politics he’s best known for donning a Southern Shore Breakers jersey in years past.
O’Driscoll said that affordability, especially as it relates to seniors, remains a major concern, and pointed out the PC party’s promise to increase the seniors benefit by 20 percent.
As to the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding, which Liberal Leader Hogan has been presenting as the ballot question, O’Driscoll said he’s heard it mentioned at some doors, but health and safety remain the major concerns.
“Our stand on the MOU was, and still is, that you have an independent (panel) review it,” said O’Driscoll. “If they had done this back in January, this could have been resolved, and we could be moved on, and this might not be an issue.”
As to the district’s longstanding loyalty to the party, O’Driscoll chalks it up to good leadership.
“I’m easy to reach,” said O’Driscoll “I pride myself on calling people back and trying to get them answers. They may not always be ‘Yes’ answers, but I will respond.”
