Former d'Entremont Staff Member Criticizes Floor-Crossing
Brian Hirtle expressed strong disappointment over Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d'Entremont's decision to join the Liberal Party, describing it as "self-serving."
Reaction to the Party Switch
Hirtle, a Viewmount resident and former electoral district association president, worked closely with d'Entremont during all three of his federal election victories for the Conservatives before retiring six months ago.
“I woke up from a nap and the phone lit up everywhere. It was all over the news that he was considering it,” Hirtle recalled. “I was as shocked as anybody.”
Impact on the Community
He called d'Entremont's move “a slap in the face to the residents,” emphasizing the collective effort behind the MP’s election.
“It takes a village to get an MP elected. It takes a community of hard-working folks from Argyle to Long Point Road. It’s a team effort.”
Hirtle highlighted the pride the team had in holding the Conservative seat in Nova Scotia, which was lost with this defection.
Personal Reflection and Concerns
Although Hirtle and d'Entremont have been friends and colleagues, he is uncertain how their relationship will proceed after this decision.
He also noted the disappointment felt by younger voters who supported d'Entremont for the first time in April.
“He feels very betrayed,” Hirtle said.
Author’s summary: Brian Hirtle condemns the MP's party switch as a betrayal of community trust and the team's hard work that delivered Conservative victories in Acadie-Annapolis.