SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - If Tuesday night’s leaders debate was any indication of what P.E.I. politics is usually like – Susan DiCarlo would love the Island just that much more.
DiCarlo of Carleton moved to P.E.I. from New Brunswick about six months ago.
So, Tuesday night’s debate between the four party leaders at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre was her first real taste of an Island election.
She liked what she saw and heard.
“The phrase ‘the gentle island’ extends into such civility among the politicians,” said DiCarlo. “Really, there was a good exchange of ideas. I think everybody spoke really well and we’ve seen (the party leaders) all a couple of times now. So, I think you can see a depth of interest and concern in all of the candidates that makes you proud to be an Islander – I was really impressed by that across the board.”
In fact, most people who spoke with the Journal Pioneer and many who commented on social media remarked at how cordial and, mostly, complimentary the four leaders were towards each other and their respective platforms.
Eddie Childs of Summerside also said he was impressed by Liberal Leader Wade MacLauchlan, Green Leader Peter Bevan-Baker, PC Leader Dennis King and NDP Leader Joe Byrne.
Childs, who was on the younger end of spectrum of attendees at the debate, said he wanted to attend because he believes it’s critical for young people to do so.
“We have a lot of really complicated issues we’re facing as Islanders, as Canadians and as global citizens, and I think it’s more important than ever that we be engaged in what’s happening and have young people engaged and show up, so others can see that this generation are engaged in what’s happening and really wants to find the solutions to the problems that we have.”
Brenda Green of Bedeque went to the debate because she wanted to hear directly from the party leaders.
Though in the end she didn’t feel swayed from her original voting inclination.
“It’s always good to be educated,” said Green. “I’ve voted one way I’d say all my life except for about three (elections). It’s depended on that candidate. If I thought it was an honourable candidate, I didn’t vote for the party I voted for that candidate.”
As for what Green thought of the leaders’ performances Tuesday night, she was not overly impressed.
“I’ve heard it before. I do think there is a lot of untruth in what they’re saying, and I think they know that, but I think they know they can’t accomplish everything. They’re being very honest about saying they’re going to try.”
Islanders go to the polls April 23.
