"In politics we often disagree on policy matters but I want to put that all aside and offer my personal congratulations to Mr. Hedderson," said Butler. "As someone who has worked as a teacher and been involved with the NLTA for a number of years I am sure his past experience will be valuable to him in his new job. I am also pleased to see someone from the Conception Bay North area has been appointed to Cabinet and I am hopeful he will bring the concerns of this area right to the Cabinet table. We have a number of major issues coming up and I think it is important that we have someone at the table when the decisions are being made."

The Liberal MHA says Hedderson is one of the more socially conscious members of the Conservative caucus. "I hope he will be expressing his views loud and clear. I have kept the files of what he said in opposition and the things he spoke out on at that time. I expect him to push forward policy on issues such as school fees, bussing and teacher allocations. These are issues he has spoke out on in the House of Assembly and elsewhere and I expect him to be consistent now that he a member of the Cabinet.

"It would be very sad indeed to achieve a position such as this and then reverse everything you stood for throughout your working life and political career. I hope the Premier has learned something from the resignation of Elizabeth Marshall and will work on developing a less heavy-handed leadership style. I hope Mr. Hedderson has a better working relationship with the Premier than the departing Minster did."

Tom Hedderson was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Education on October 1^st after the Premier was forced to shuffle the Cabinet as a result of the sudden resignation of Elizabeth Marshall as Minister of Health and Community Services. The Minister resigned after an ongoing dispute with the Premier over management style and decisions being made without her knowledge.