"It is hypocritical for Premier Williams and members of the Conservative government to be talking about a fiscal crisis in this province while at the same time making these kind of appointments," said Butler. "If the financial shape of the Province is as bad as they want us to believe then they should start cutting the number of boards rather than filling them up with friends.

"Danny Williams talks about these appointments as if the amount of money involved is not significant. I think the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment should have the courage to tell him the money he is paying these political appointees would mean a lot to a single mother who is on income support. If you are cutting everything else it can’t be business as usual in terms of political appointments, they must also be subject to cuts."

This past week Danny Williams found himself defending recent board appointments given to his personal and political friends. These appointments included his former law partner, Steve Marshall who was appointed to the St. John’s port authority. Others with personal and political connections who were recently appointed include Ken Marshall, Dean MacDonald and Craig Tucker who chaired the Conservative election campaign. There is a long list of others including Williams personal friends, former PC candidates and other people with involvement in the PC party.

"During the election campaign this government promised a new approach, less than a year in power they have broken a majority of their promises including this one."