Maybe this is why they call him Yak

Speaking of rants, Progressive Conservative MPP John Yakabuski (Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke) went on one after reading in today's Star about the leadership ambitions of Health Minister George Smitherman, Colleges and Universities Minister Chris Bentley, Attorney General Michael Bryant, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan, Economic Development Minister Sandra Pupatello, and Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson.

"After three lost years and one to go, the knives are out for Premier McGuinty. His wannabe replacements are lining up already. It seems the Liberal caucus feels the same as Ontario voters: it’s time for a change," Yakabuski told the House this afternoon.

"Indeed, the Toronto Star reports that provincial Liberals have already started undermining their leader. They can feel the sliding momentum. They recognize their slip in public opinion. They know this could be his last year," he chortled.

"Let’s look at the top contenders. Could it be furious George, the animated health minister, who spends more time on late night press releases attacking John Tory than he does fixing the problems in our hospital ERs?

How about the member from London West — no, no, he’s not to going to win his own seat — you know, Green Lane? Better still, the visionary pit bull from St. Paul’s—please. Or how about a compassionate man, the eminently quotable energy minister who tells struggling Ontarians worried about hydro rates to wrap themselves up in a blanket and get some good red wine?" railed Yakabuski.

"Maybe they’ll pick a female leader. The public face of last month’s disastrous by-election in Parkdale–High Park, the minister of economic development is reportedly honing her French skills. Might I suggest public relations training? Or maybe the Tory floor crosser from Ottawa West–Nepean, but then again maybe he wants back in our house? And why not throw in the former transportation minister, although he’d want the leader’s office at Chalmers Group?" he said, referring to controversial Small Business Minister Harinder Takhar.

"It’s going to be a fun year. Keep your head up, Dalton."