September 13, 2005 Source: University of Western Ontario:
http://communications.uwo.ca/media_newsroom/story.html?listing_id=19775 Experts on Peter C. Newman's Book LONDON, ON - The following contacts at The University of Western Ontario can provide further comment on Peter C. Newman's book on Brian Mulroney. Romayne Smith Fullerton specializes in journalism ethics and can be reached at (519) 661-2111 ext. 86663 (office), (519) 284-4883 (home), or rfullert@uwo.ca. "Mulroney seems to think that because he was 'friends' with Newman, Newman owed him something - and in this case, what he obviously hoped for was a flattering 'analysis' of his years as prime minister. Such an expectation seems unrealistic and unfair. Newman's job was and is to tell stories as he sees them. Sometimes one starts with one direction for the tale, and the information or the circumstances lead one in another direction. I don't think Newman was obligated to tell Mulroney that he now had a different idea for framing the information/quotes to which Mulroney himself had allowed him access. To be clear, I don't think Newman really misled Mulroney as he seems to imply. Mulroney should have known better." Paul Nesbitt-Larking, chair of the Political Science Department at Huron University College at Western. He can be reached at (519) 438-7224 ext. 286 (office) or (519) 433-2477 (home). "As Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney displayed all the conceit, pomposity and self-righteous rage of a narcissistic politician. John Sawatsky established this much in his excellent 1991 biography, /Mulroney: The Politics of Ambition/. Peter C. Newman's book adds interesting detail, but does not shift the overall interpretation. Fascinating as it is, Mulroney's personality should not preoccupy us too much. As Mulroney himself is happy to tell us, he achieved a great deal. We should reflect on his record, starting with his unprecedented and brilliant electoral landslide in 1984. Few if any of those who smugly dismiss Mulroney will ever begin to match his achievements." Media contact: Christine Roulston, Communications & Public Affairs, Communications and Public Affairs, The University of Western Ontario, (519) 661-2111 ext. 85165. Commentary reflects the perspective and scholarly interest of Western faculty members and is not an articulation of official university policy on issues being addressed. - 30 -
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