MO))) Editor Sep 24, 2018
Larry Lynch Verified

VIDEO: Fraser concedes to Conroy in election upset

Despite being a long shot, Michelle Conroy’s campaign office was packed last night at 7:30pm with people eagerly awaiting the results of what they felt would be a huge election upset.  They were not disappointed.

Despite being a long shot, Michelle Conroy’s campaign office was packed last night at 7:30pm with people eagerly awaiting the results of what they felt would be a huge election upset.  They were not disappointed.

Conroy, a 42 year old woman from Napan, has been on the part-time job treadmill at Horizon Health for 7 years trying to break through into a full-time position.  Last night she beat DTI Minister Bill Fraser by almost a thousand votes, and ushered in an improbable change in Miramichi politics.

In radio interviews this morning Conroy said that she felt going back and forth between red and blue parties was not changed, and it was change that the people she met were demanding.  And for those people in Miramichi, change has been delivered.

“When we first started going door to door there were a lot of people who didn’t know who I was or what the People’s Alliance stood for, but as the campaign progressed we could really feel the momentum building,” she told Darcey and Paddy of 95.9 Sun FM.  

During her acceptance speech after the results were in, Conroy said, “We felt like we were going to win, unless everyone who pledged their support to us were lying,”

When asked by the CBC about her role in a minority government, she said even though Brian Gallant has stated no desire to collaborate with the PANB, she says she still hopes she work on issues to the benefit of all New Brunswickers.

The CBC called last night to interview Conroy, and Conroy allowed the crowd to listen in on the interview.  The reporter asked a question about language division, and the crowd booed loudly at the worn suggestion the party was against bilingualism.  In three interviews since the election results, Conroy stressed that the PANB supports bilingualism, but seeks a more fair way of implementing language policies to everyone’s benefit.

In her speech to supporters last night Conroy praised the outgoing Fraser, saying he had been an incredible asset to the community and thanked him for all he had done.  Fraser arrived to congratulate Conroy, complimented her on a good campaign, and offered his help if she ever required it. Very classy of Bill.

Conroy spoke on the phone with leader Kris Austin, who also won his seat, and said she would be meeting with him by the end of the week to discuss the road forward.

Here are some photos and video from the victory party which include a photo of the campaign team, Conroy’s family, and Bill Fraser’s visit to the office shortly after the results were in.

Conroy addresses supporters after win

Fraser concedes to Conroy

Michelle Conroy’s family.

Conroy celebrates with supporters

Fraser concedes to Conroy

Michelle’s campaign team.  (full disclosure:  Larry Lynch, front row left, owns Miramichi Online and was Conroy’s campaign manager)

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