February 8, 2012

Can a tarnished Bryant shine again?

Our experts reflect on the future of the former attorney general

On Aug. 31, 2009 Michael Bryant, the man many thought could someday be Ontario’s premier, was involved in an altercation resulting in the tragic death of 33-year-old Darcy Allan Sheppard.

Ken Gallinger
Ethics columnist, Toronto Star
It is not Bryant’s job to restore his reputation; it is ours. Bryant’s reputation was shredded because of a tragic incident which, according to our legal system, was not his fault. He should get on with his life. And we should get off his back. That’s what “the charge was withdrawn” means.
 

Michael Coren
Radio and talk show host
If Bryant now spent a few years working with the underprivileged and the broken, then I would say, ‘You know what? maybe this guy is the real thing,’ as opposed to taking an incredibly lucrative salary with yet another Bay Street law firm. For me, at least, that would help redefine his career.
 

Tania Ensor
Sr. VP, Weber Shandwick PR
The contrast of characters in this situation could be drawn from a Tom Wolfe novel. Mr. Bryant is articulate and compassionate and both of these characteristics will serve him well if he focuses his recovery efforts on working with organizations who provide aid and support to at-risk youth in honour of Mr. Sheppard.

John Ivison
Political columnist, National Post
Michael Bryant just had a rather nasty brush with reality. Notwithstanding that, I would advise he not try to return immediately to the cloistered world of politics but get some more real-life experience (he only spent five years in private life between leaving university and entering politics). At some point in the not too distant future, Carolyn Bennett, the federal Liberal for the St. Paul’s riding Bryant represented provincially, will probably retire (she was first elected in 1997). If he is still interested in public life — and I think he will be — that would be the perfect opportunity to run for office.
 

Dave Meslin
Founder, Toronto Cyclists Union
While any death on our streets is a tragedy, I’m personally not surprised or disappointed by the charges being withdrawn. This was a unique situation and it distracted attention from the real issue which is the lack of safe space for cyclists on our streets. The war in Toronto isn’t between cyclists and drivers. It’s between dinosaur planning and progressive planning. We need space for all modes of transportation and Michael Bryant can contribute to this discussion by promoting green transportation and encouraging his friends at Queen’s Park to invest in cycling infrastructure.

 

This article appears in the July 2010 issue of Post City Magazines

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