Former d'Entremont Staff Member Criticizes Floor-Crossing
Brian Hirtle expressed strong disappointment over Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d'Entremont's switch to the Liberal Party, calling the move "self-serving."
Background on Brian Hirtle's Relationship with d'Entremont
Hirtle, a Viewmount resident, had been closely involved in all three of Chris d’Entremont’s federal election victories in the Acadie-Annapolis riding. He worked for the Conservative MP and also served as president of the electoral district association before retiring six months ago.
Reaction to Floor-Crossing
“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.”
“It’s a slap in the face to the residents. 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.”
He highlighted the collective pride the team felt in holding the only Conservative seat in Nova Scotia, which d’Entremont has now relinquished.
Impact on Supporters and Future Relations
Having been colleagues and friends with d’Entremont, Hirtle expressed uncertainty about their future interactions. He also noted that some young voters, who supported d’Entremont for the first time in the recent April election, now feel deeply betrayed.
“He feels very betrayed,” Hirtle said.
Hirtle’s comments reflect the sense of disappointment and frustration among local Conservative supporters following the MP's decision.
Summary: Brian Hirtle, a former aide to MP Chris d'Entremont, condemns his switch to the Liberals as self-serving and a betrayal of the hardworking community that supported his election.
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