Former Staff Member Criticizes Chris d'Entremont's Party Switch
Brian Hirtle expressed strong disappointment in Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d'Entremont's decision to join the Liberal Party, calling it "self-serving."
Reaction to the Floor Crossing
Hirtle, a Viewmount resident, had supported d'Entremont through all three of his federal election victories. He served as the electoral district association president and worked closely with the Conservative MP before retiring six months ago. He said the news of d'Entremont considering a party switch was a shock.
“I woke up from a nap and the phone lit up everywhere. It was all over the news that he was considering it,” Hirtle recalled in November. “I was as shocked as anybody.”
The Impact on the Community
He described the switch as “a slap in the face to the residents,” emphasizing the collective effort behind electing an MP.
“It takes a village to get an MP elected. It takes a community of hard-working folks from Argyle to Long Point Road. It’s a team effort.”
Hirtle said the team was proud to have kept the only Conservative seat in Nova Scotia, which d'Entremont effectively gave away.
Personal and Political Fallout
Despite their previous friendship and professional relationship, Hirtle is uncertain about how they will interact moving forward. He also mentioned the sense of betrayal felt by younger voters who supported d'Entremont for the first time in April’s election.
“He feels very betrayed,” Hirtle said, referring to these younger adults.
Author’s summary: Brian Hirtle condemns Chris d'Entremont's shift to the Liberal Party as a betrayal of the community and those who worked hard to elect him as a Conservative MP.