With April budget looming, Liberals still working on leadership process

Despite a looming April budgetand ongoing rate mitigation talks, the provincial Liberalsare still finalizing details for the party's leadership race.

"My executive board continuestofinalizethedetails for theleadershipprocess," reads part of an emailed statement fromparty executive director Michael King."Further details will be provided in the coming days."

Dwight Ball announced Monday he isresigning as premier, and leaving politics before the next election.

He was set to face a leadership review in June, and it's not clear whether the party will push ahead with that or move to have a leader in place sooner.

Ball did not appoint an interim leader, but did say he wants his replacement chosen soon, so the new premier can be part of guiding the next budget.

King's email statement contained only thanks to Ball for his service.

"On behalf of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, I want to thank Premier Ball for hisleadership,hard work anddedicationto the party and the province," it said.

"Our government has dealt with some of theprovince's toughest challengessinceenteringConfederationbut the premier's steady hand and dedicated leadership haskeptus moving forward. His commitment to makingNewfoundland and Labradora better place for people to work, liveand growtheir families is unwavering."

Another premier, another election

Under a law brought in by former Progressive Conservative premier Danny Williams,an election has to happen within a year of a new premier taking office.

Some seasoned politicians are staying away from the idea of running, and while there are names being thrown around as potential leadership candidates, there are also questions about whether they have the skills to take over during a tough time in provincial politics.

"It's true we have limited experience among a lot of people who want to hold the position, and until wefoster a structure that makes it easier for people to come into politics, spend time, get experience and be well positioned to become premier I think we kind of hurt ourselves,"said Memorial University political scientist Kelly Blidook.

"Being premier of the province is hard, and if you look over Mr. Ball's time as premier, there hasn't been a lot of good news."

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