NDP rally turns Quidi Vidi boathouse on its side

More than 200 sign-waving, hand-clapping and slogan-chanting NewDemocrats crammed into the boathouse at Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John'sSunday for a high-energy rally.

It was the high point to date for the NDP campaign, and those who took part in the self-titled"barn-burner" appeared to leave with a renewed sense of confidence.

"I think it's the start of new beginnings," said Hickman's Harbour resident Ellsworth Penney.

"I think we're going to see at the end of the day a lot more performance from the NDP than what people expected."

But even the most ardent supporters understand that despite the energy and enthusiasm on display at the rally,the challenge of making a breakthrough in this election is a daunting one.

"It's possible. It's difficult. It depends on whetherpeoplewant to think or be stampeded," said Steve Wolinetz of St. John's.

Much-needed boost

It was a much-needed boost for the NDP,which is still reeling froma public opinion poll that puts the party well back of the surgingLiberals,and a very public split with former NDP MP Ryan Cleary.

Earle McCurdy had been more then holding his own in a series ofdebates, but the NDP Leader turned things up a few more gears duringthe rally. He continued to hammer on the party's key point of fighting for a stronger economy, accessible health care, dignity for seniors and educational opportunities for young people.

McCurdy said the NDP care for the "ordinary people in the province" and "not well-connected insiders from the Liberal and Conservative parties."

In a rousing speech the lasted more than 30 minutes hetook repeatedaim his opponents, Liberal Leader Dwight Ball and PC Leader Paul Davis.

He echoedhis belief that the two parties are one-in-the-same, and playfully referred to the other party leaders as "Tweedle Dwight nad Tweedle Davis."

His performance resonated with an audience that included nearly 20 candidates and some ardent party supporters.

One of those candidates was Harbour Breton resident Mildred Skinner, who is running in Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune.

"It's the power I needed," she said, referring to the rally.

Another hopeful, Conception Bay South candidate Jeanne Clarke, praised the party leader's performance.

"Earle's been a great leader and we're all behind him and to get real change in this provincewe need NDP people elected," she said.