Description
In Mr Smith Goes to Ottawa, the author compares the 34th (1988-93) and
the 35th (1993-97) Parliaments. The former, the second consecutive
Conservative-led majority government, could not appear more different
from the Liberal one which followed. Over two-thirds of its members
were rookies. More significantly, over one-third represented two new
political parties - the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform party. Yet, for
all this change, Docherty shows that the new agendas of the 35th
Parliament have not translated into changes in the legislative
behaviour or socialization of new members. Unlike Jimmy Stewart in
Washington, the majority of the men and women who go to Ottawa end up
accepting a limited policy role.
Reviews
David Docherty has produced a book that contributes to our understanding of parliamentary careers. It is a well-written, original and thoughtfully conceived interpretation.
- CJPS
The book is a unique and important contribution to the literature on po,itical parties and legislatures, especially in the Canadian context. Canada might be served well if MPs were to read it as thoroughly as the scholarly community should.
- A.F. Johnson
David Docherty’s Mr. Smith Goes to Ottawa examines, more comprehensively than any previous published work, the journey made by those elected to the House of Commons.
- Patrick Boyer