Leaders reveal their favourite things

Political differences aside, Nova Scotia’s major party leaders can find common ground on a few fronts: They all enjoy political non-fiction, locally tailored suits and the province’s beaches.

But sharp differences in taste emerged elsewhere in a survey of the leaders’ cultural, sports and other personal preferences.

Tory leader Jamie Baillie said his favourite food was Thai cuisine -- “pad thai, glass noodles, you name it.”

Both Liberal Stephen McNeil and the NDP’s Gary Burrill kept it simple, however, when it came to their culinary favourites.

The premier revealed that McDonald’s is his go-to meal, while Burrill said there’s nothing like a “good old-fashioned” hamburger and fries.

Their responses to a survey by The Canadian Press appeared to line up with their political personas, particularly when it came to their TV-viewing habits.

McNeil said he relaxes by watching home renovation shows hosted by no-nonsense, budget-conscious contractors like “Holmes on Homes” and “Leave it to Bryan.”

Baillie, who has campaigned as a family man, said he watches family comedies like The Simpsons and Modern Family.

McNeil and Baillie both said they favour streaming services like Netflix over cable. Meanwhile, Burrill has cut the cable cord altogether at home, but said he watches some TV news at the office.

Burrill said he prefers the radio to screen entertainment, often turning his dial to hear the baseball play-by-play, especially if it’s a Boston Red Sox game.

“Baseball is my sport!” the NDP leader said. “When my family lived in Boston, I used to take my kids to the game a few times a week.”

The other two leaders said they are Toronto Blue Jays fans.