FACE TO FACE: What politicians should face off in the ring (for charity, of course)?
Remember last year's Justin Trudeau-vs.-Patrick Brazeau boxing match for charity?
Well, earlier this week, I had a conversation with organizer Rob Imbeault, who told me they're planning to hold another political duel next spring but, as of now, they don't have their boxers.
"We'll take suggestions," Imbeault said.
My colleague opposite and I are happy to oblige.
Before I get to my main event, I think I would like to see some local flavour as the undercards.
I would pay big money to watch a tilt featuring Coquitlam Coun. Lou Sekora and Mayor Richard Stewart. You'll recall, about six weeks ago, Sekora "outed" Stewart for staying at a pricey downtown Vancouver hotel during the Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention. Stewart countered by slamming Sekora in the media.
Well, these two fine gentlemen could finally settle the score. Can you picture it? Sekora, 81, would be indiscriminately launching lefts and rights while Stewart, 52, would be weaving and bobbing around the ring. It would be epic. We could call it the Soiree at Poirier.
For the second card, I would love to see a battle royale between Christy Clark and Alison Redford. Certainly, the two western premiers have made up since last year's tiff about the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline but I get the sense that there's still some tension there. If I were a betting man, my money would be on Clark. If we've learned anything over the past few months, it's to never underestimate Christy Clark - never.
Finally, I think the main event has to involve one of the most hated men in Ottawa right now: Sen. Mike Duffy. Every bout needs a villain, right?
And there are probably a few people who would line up to fight him. I'm sure Prime Minister Stephen Harper would want at him for sullying the Conservative brand but I think NDP leader Thomas Mulcair would be a better opponent.
Billed as Angry Tom vs. The Duff, the bout would feature the man who wants to abolish the Senate versus the man who has done so much for the abolish-the-Senate movement.
And just think of the merchandising opportunities: T-shirts, bobbleheads, punching bags
And maybe Justin Trudeau can be the ring boy?
Let's get rrrrrrready to rrrrrrrumbllllle!
Andy Radia is a Coquitlam resident and political columnist who writes for Yahoo! Canada News and Vancouver View Magazine. He has been politically active in the Tri-Cities, having been involved with election campaigns at all three levels of government, including running for Coquitlam city council in 2005.
