Can of worms

Local MP John Rafferty opened a can of worms last week when he chose the majority of his constituents over party lines by voting in favour of the Tories’ bill to abolish the long gun registry—a sore point here in Northwestern Ontario since it was established back in the 1990s.
Many have rushed to Mr. Rafferty’s defence, with individuals and groups like the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters also chastising interim NDP leader Nycole Turmel for muzzling democracy by imposing sanctions against him and Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer, who similarly voted in favour of the Tory bill.
Ms. Turmel, in fact, had no other choice. Our system is based on party politics and its success hinges on party discipline. Rest assured, a Conservative MP who dared defy Prime Minister Stephen Harper on any legislation would face similar wrath.
An MP is expected to listen to his or her constituents, and fight for their riding’s interests behind closed doors at caucus. But party unity is essential once a decision is made. If they cannot live with that decision, their choice is to resign, sit as an Independent, or cross the floor to another party.
Having your cake and eating it too isn’t an option.
Mr. Rafferty definitely scored some political points with constituents for not toeing the party line on the gun registry, which he’ll surely look to cash in come next election. But several questions remain, starting with what he plans to do when the gun bill comes up for third-and-final reading in the House of Commons?
And what will he do if the majority of his constituents demand he vote in favour of the Conservatives’ budget next spring, or any other piece of legislation for that matter?
Mr. Rafferty is right about one thing. Having our MP banished to the sidelines certainly doesn’t do the riding any good.