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Hudak told Global TV’s Alan Carter, “Listen, I enjoy debate, I enjoy the fight. I really had no talent in life except running my mouth – that’s why I got in politics.”
Toronto (13 Dec. 2013) – Two days after the Ontario Progressive Conservatives publicly targeted the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) President Warren (Smokey) Thomas, Ontario PC leader Tim Hudak flatly refused to engage in a debate about his party’s plans for Ontario workers and unions.
Ontario PC leader attacks unions but refuses to debate the issues
“On Sunday night, Tim Hudak’s labour critic attacked both me and my union, implying that we were connected to organized crime and demanding to know why we did not agree with PC plans to set Ontario’s labour laws back 70 years,” Thomas said.
“On Monday, I challenged him to a public debate on the matter. On Tuesday, he refused on live television. I was also surprised at his reasons for avoiding the debate.”
Asked point-blank whether he would accept Thomas’s challenge, Hudak told Global TV’s Alan Carter, “Listen, I enjoy debate, I enjoy the fight. I really had no talent in life except running my mouth – that’s why I got in politics.”
Hudak admits his talent lies in "running [his] mouth" off
Admitting to a tendency to engage in meaningless talk, without a basis in reason or fact, further confirms his lack of qualifications to be Ontario premier, Thomas said.
“Look, I’m not looking for a fight, but the PCs have targeted me and my union using innuendo, falsehoods and distortions. I believe in the direct approach. If you’re going to call me out by name, you’d better have the courage to back up what you say,” he said.
If PC leader wants to run the province, he should be more thoughtful and less divisive with the people who provide citizens with valuable services
“The PCs continue to attack the lives and jobs of committed and hardworking public employees who provide valued services to thousands of citizens, and quite frankly I’m sick of it.”
“Running off at the mouth is not a strong qualification for running the province. If Tim Hudak enjoys debate, as he says, then let’s go.”\
More information:
Thomas to Hudak: Let's debate the issues
Watch the full interview with Hudak (Carter’s question about the debate begins at the 4:18 mark)
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