Williams should look at retirement: editorial

A newspaper that publishes in Danny Williams's own district is suggesting that the Newfoundland and Labrador premier should consider retiring.

The editorial published Thursday in Corner Brook's Western Star newspaper took note of an emotional outburst that Williams made in the legislature this week, and how he went on the offensive against NDP Leader Lorraine Michael.

"We're nearing the end of Williams' second term at the helm of the province, and it could be time for him to re-evaluate his wish to carry on," the unsigned editorial said.

"It's a good time to decide if he has the desire to carry on in public life."

Williams continues to enjoy strong support in publicly released polls.

In March, Halifax-based Corporate Research Associates found that Williams and the governing Progressive Conservatives had a record high approval rating. CRA found 80 per cent of decided voters would pick a PC candidate if an election were held at that time.

Williams has said he plans to lead the party into the next election, which will be held in October 2011, as prescribed by provincial law.

"There are still a couple of years before the next election, the Liberals are having a leadership convention in the fall and there are plenty of Tories who would love a shot at the top job," the editorial said.

'Solid political legacy'

"If the fun has gone out of the job, Williams already has a solid political legacy in this province, and can move on to some other challenge. There are worse things than going out on top."

The author of the Star editorial is not commenting.

In a statement to CBC News on Friday, the premier's office said it was taking the editorial in stride.

"If you look at the editorial commentary of the Western Star over the past several years, you can see they have never been very supportive [of] our government or the premier," communications director Elizabeth Matthews said in the statement.

"So we are not surprised by the approach or tone of this editorial. They are, of course, entitled to their opinion."

For reaction, CBC News approached several voters in the St. John's area. An informal sample showed very strong support for Williams, including for strong and sometimes sharp comments he has made about the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.

"Some of the things he's doing is correct," said Mike Leyman, who said he worked in the health-care system for 30 years.

In the legislature this week, Williams released a letter from a personal friend, Dr. David Jewer, who wrote that there is dissension within the ranks of the NLMA.

"As far as the letter [that has generated] most of the controversy, with Dr. Jewer, I think most of the doctors agree with Danny," Leyman said.

Voter Rod Hutton said Williams has the backing of the electorate.

"I think Danny Williams is the best thing since sliced bread, and he's just got to keep doing what he's doing," he said.