Sympathy expressed by political opponents

By Dan Hilborn
Published April 17, 2004


Kind words and surprise were the most common reactions to Svend Robinson's predicament this week from the four people who are hoping to take his place in the House of Commons after the next election.

"While I cannot comment on the criminal aspect of this situation, as this matter is now with the police, it was good to see Mr. Robinson taking responsibility for his actions," said a press release issued by Conservative candidate George Drazenovic.

"I'm disappointed because I was looking forward to a spirited debate on the issues that are important to Burnaby-Douglas voters," said the press release.

That sentiment was similar to the words expressed by the three people hoping to win the Liberal nomination in the longtime NDP- held riding.

"I'm sure my reaction is the same as anyone in B.C. - I'm shocked and stunned," said Liberal party president Bill Cunningham, the only Burnaby-Douglas nominee to be approved by the party's head office to date.

"As someone who is about to enter public life, or intends to enter public life, you can't help but feel for the personal and private turmoil he's going through," Cunningham said. "That was very evident in his statement today.

"You can't help but respect and support the action he is taking. It's not something you'd wish anybody to have to go through."

Liberal hopeful Tony Kuo, who is still waiting for the party to approve his nomination bid, expressed kind words for Robinson's 25 years of service to the people of Burnaby.

"I'm totally shocked and I feel so very sorry for him," Kuo said. "I really admire his courage to come out and admit to the mistake he made. I just want to express my appreciation for his loyal service for the past 25 years.

"My heart and thoughts go out to him, and I hope he has a speedy recovery. Anyone who travels from Burnaby to Ottawa for 25 years deserves our respect and gratitude."

But Tony Lee, who is also still waiting to have his candidacy approved, expressed suspicion of Robinson's motives.

"He did not actually say he is going to retire," Lee said. "He just said he's stepping aside or down for the time being. ... It has been known in the past that he was able to grab hold of the news headlines. Does it mean he's using that as a headline news grabbing or something like that?

"But if he is indeed stepping down, I'd like to thank him for his service. I think if indeed this incident resulted from the accident causing stress, et cetera, then he should take some time off for healing," Lee said.

(This story ran as a sidebar to: "MP confesses to shoplifting," by Julie MacLellan)