Political seasoning

Re: Let’s get serious. Conrad Black, Feb. 24

Conrad Black summarizes much that is troubling Canada today, but then offers us a dreadful recommendation, to repeat the mistake the voters as a whole made in 2015 by putting in power someone who’s “just not ready.”

However good Caroline Mulroney may be, she is very young, very inexperienced, and we simply cannot afford another disaster similar to the ongoing federal debacle. For her own sake, let her first obtain some political experience. Joseph Berger, Toronto

I respect Conrad Black’s broad knowledge of world history; I also agree that Canada and Ontario deserve much better leadership and hopefully that will happen in upcoming provincial and federal elections.

However, I question his judgment when it comes to his unfailing support for a leadership candidate who has neither experience running a complex multi-billion dollar organization nor in the political arena ( unless having lived at 24 Sussex counts). Since when were “intelligent,” “glamorous” and “bilingual” appropriate criteria for selection?

When he was running his ne wspaper dynas t y, who were his top choices for publisher at any of his larger dailies? Surely he selected newspapermen ( and women) — one of whom I personally knew — who had previous demonstrated success, both editorial and fiscal.

Ontario desperately needs strong, experienced moral leadership, someone who will make unpopular choices if we ever have a hope of reducing our catastrophic debt and shedding the unfortunate title of “have not” province. Caroline Mulroney certainly has much to offer the PC party and Ontarians, but give her time to gain vital relevant experience as an MPP and cabinet minister. Susan Silverman, Toronto

Shortly before the last Ontario provincial election, Conrad Black suggested that Mr. Trudeau would “either grow or go. But he’s earned the chance.”

Nearly two thirds into Mr. Trudeau’s majority mandate, I see little evidence of the former. Peter Brewster, St. Catharines, Ont.