Hogan says he's ready to lead 'the strongest Opposition' in N.L. history

Liberal Leader John Hogan spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since his party was ousted from government during the Oct. 14 general election.

Hogan — who reclaimed his seat in Windsor Lake — was flanked by a smaller Liberal caucus, among it some new and some familiar faces.

But he maintained confidence in his opening remarks, saying he is ready to lead the "strongest Opposition" in the province's history.

"When people ask what this job will be, we will be there to hold the government to account. They've made a lot of promises over the last four or five weeks during the course of this election campaign, a lot of promises which we don't feel that they will be able to live up to," Hogan said, taking aim at the incoming PC government.

“We will continue to ask questions, and we will do our job to make sure they deliver what they told Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

The news conference came just hours after the Liberals announced it had requested a judicial recount of three closely contested districts. 

The PCs claimed 21 seats in the House and a majority government. The Liberals landed just 15. Two seats are held by the NDP and two are Independent. 

Hogan said the results demonstrate the province is “very divided.”

“It also shows me that people in this province still welcome, respect and want Liberal policies, and values, and Liberal members and government,” he said.

Hogan also used the opportunity to introduce the fresh faces of the Liberal party — Bettina Ford, Jim Parsons, Michael King and Keith White — who won their districts and will become new members of the House. 

But Hogan also expressed concern for how the PCs will handle the province’s Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding with Quebec. 

"This caucus believes that the MOU for this province is the right path forward,” he said. “I am very worried that we will see the end of this MOU."

Premier-designate Tony Wakeham has said he feels the Liberal government rushed the MOU process, and plans to hold a public referendum on any new deal with Quebec.

Hogan maintains it hasn’t been rushed, and says Wakeham hasn’t made clear what he thinks is wrong with the current MOU.