By Daryl Major

Former local political commentator weighs in on O’Leary Conservative run

Jan 19, 2017 | 12:42 PM

NANAIMO – It happened South of the border with the election of Donald Trump as U.S. President and now the question is: will lightning strike twice in federal politics?

Former Vancouver Island University political commentator Allan Warnke said Kevin O’Leary, who used to host the business reality show Dragon’s Den and recently declared his candidacy for Conservative Party leader, likely believes his celebrity will translate into a public platform.

“On the surface, really what is his political background?,” Warnke asked. “What is his political experience? What does he really know about public policy? Yes, he’s a business man but aside from that how does he understand the operations of government? All those kinds of questions we used to ask of people who go into public life, they no longer are asked.”

O’Leary has cleared the first hurdle, according to Warnke, with his TV appearances showing potential voters who he is.

“They have a notion of what his persona is like, what he is about, he’s a bit of a personality on television. That counts for a lot,” Warnke said. “On another level, it seems a bit unfair to those who put their name in politics who have been elected and have gone through the drill, which Kevin O’Leary hasn’t.”

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And what of O’Leary’s chances? Warnke said it depends on winning over voters in Quebec. O’Leary announced his run the morning after an all-French language debate and came under fire for the timing by fellow Conservative Party candidates.

“He says ‘Well I don’t really need it. I just know a little bit of french…’ nobody can really work on their French at the last minute. So that would reduce his chances,” Warnke said. “Still, 50-50.”

The Conservatives will choose a new leader at their convention in May.

Rona Ambrose has served as interim leader since Stephen Harper stepped down after losing the last federal election.