Harper to send Mulroney ice-breaker by video

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper will publicly reach out to Brian Mulroney, and by extension his Tory predecessor's powerful sphere of influence, in a video to be shown this week at a gala.

Sources close to the event tell The Canadian Press that Harper recorded a congratulatory message that will be aired Thursday at the celebration of Mulroney's historic 1984 electoral victory at the helm of the Progressive Conservative party.

The video will represent the prime minister's first gesture of solidarity with Mulroney in two years.

Harper can't attend the event because he will be delivering a speech in New York City that night.

Bill Pristanski, chief event organizer, said they tried everything they could to make it possible for the prime minister to attend, but insiders say it's doubtful Mulroney would want Harper there in the first place.

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/national/090916/n09169A.html
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Among other things, this will taint the results of the Mulroney-Schrieber inquiry (this could be seen as a signal to go easy on Mulroney). On the other hand, it may hurt Harper politcally.

he would gain more support if he did kissy-face with Mulroney than he would lose from those in his party who despise Mulroney. Typical Harper.

Nor was that the case with Mulroney. They both believe in looking out for number one. I imagine Harper will also be the grateful recipient of some "watching briefs" in a few short years.