Back to business

Premier Danny Williams made his return to the political scene on Monday after his extended absence due to heart surgery.

It was an interesting month-and-a-bit away from political life for the province's popular leader. After it was announced he would be travelling to the United States for the then-unknown procedure - later revealed to be a procedure to fix a leaky heart valve - a controversy brewed.

Was the premier snubbing the Newfoundland and Labrador healthcare system, which he had supreme control over, in order to get the best possible care he could?

Media in this province and across the country began to pick-up the story, and even Fox News in America latched on to the story's implied-endorsement of American healthcare.

Some felt it was within the rights of the media to cover such a story, while others strongly vocalized their displeasure over excessive coverage of premier's health.

All things said, the matter was fair game. Premier Williams is a public figure - correction, the public figure - in this province, and as such, people have a right to know what is happening with him.

If the premier's office had laid all details on the table as to the issue from the start, there would have been less of a story in the first place. Instead, it let questions of whether the procedure could be carried out in Canada hang.

If full disclosure had been made, people would have likely come a logical conclusion. The premier is an insanely wealthy man, and as such can avail to services most could only dream of.

If he wants to use his money to receive the best treatment he can receive, while being closely situated to his own home in Florida, then that is his right. He has earned the privilege to do so, and is entitled to it.

He's fortunate to come out of the whole ordeal with his health intact. As for his political health, it's skyrocketing.

In an Angus Reid public opinion poll released on Monday, Premier Williams carried an 80 per cent approval rating - the highest amongst all Canadian premiers.

It's an astounding accomplishment, and also a number that's been steady for well over a year. Whether it can survive the impending provincial budget remains to be seen.