NATs: Cabinet Resignations Signal Trouble In Byelle Administration

MAVOCKE--Nationalist politicians and party activists say the recent resignation of several of President Byelle's key Cabinet members signal trouble within the Administration.

Speaking to the Mavocke Capitol newspaper, Ast. Min. Ldr. Dlg. Bruce Kellney (N-TRI) said the resignation of Dr. Ann Kocheni, Dpty. Sec. of Health, Sec. Emily Savage of the Environment Department, and Sec. Dr. Helen Parnamy of Tax/Currency Department are "a sign of trouble within President Byelle's Administration."

Kellney told the newspaper the resigning Cabinet members are "jumping ship" and are "trying to leave a failing presidency before it spirals further out of control."

"The people that are leaving are not leaving because they have better job opportunities, although I'm sure they could get better job offers," Kellney said. "They're leaving because they know that President Byelle is going under and they'd rather leave now while they can rather than wait until it's too late."

Other delegates showed similar signs of concern. Even Conservative Delegate Brian Altamont (C-DMG) told the West Lake Register newspaper that he was 'worried' that "so many Cabinet officials are leaving all at once."

Kellney was joined by House Minority Leader Dlg. Shay Robertson (N-DMG), who said the resignations proved "there is a lack of management within the Administration."

But Collester denies Kellney and Robertson's assertions. Press Secretary David Arnett said the resignations "are happening for different reasons unrelated to politics or turmoil within the Administration."

"These people are leaving for different reasons. Some are leaving because they've found different, better-paying jobs. Others are leaving because they want to seek elected office. And even others are leaving because they just want to spend more time with their family and a full-time job in Mavocke cannot sustain a family-friendly lifestyle."

But Arnett denied suggestions from reporters that the announced candidacies of Ann Kocheni and Helen Parnamy were signs of disagreement between Collester and Cabinet members.

Both Kocheni and Parnamy announced they will be launching campaigns for the House of Delegates in coming months--but neither will run as a Conservative. Kocheni, a self-proclaimed "life-long Nationalist", will be running as an NAT in Carova, while Parnamy will be running as an Independent in Damoign.

GNN Mavocke Correspondent Tracey Fitzgerald asked Press Secretary Arnett if the fact that Kocheni and Parnamy are running for office under opposing parties troubles the President.

"No, the President is not bothered by their candidacies because he feels that every person should be entitled to their own political feelings and affiliations, and he feels no responsibility or obligation to hold them to the Conservative Party."

Arnett added that the departures of Kocheni and Parnamy are not signs the two former Cabinet members are "turning their backs on the Conservative Party or the President" because "neither of them were members of the Conservative Party to begin with."

GNN Political Analyst James Madine agreed with Arnett's comments.

"Ann Kocheni has already admitted she has always been affiliated as a Nationalist, so I don't think she's 'turning her back' on the Conservative Party like some in the media have been suggesting," Madine said. "Now, she may be turning her back on the President. She may be doing that. But not on the Conservative Party."

Other Cabinet members also announcing their resignations Monday included Sec. of National Security Robert Austin, Sec. of the Economy Kevin P. Hindricks, Sec. of Transportation Claude Gormasson, Dpty. Sec. of the Environment Brian W. Goldman, Dpty. Sec. of Social Services Elizabeth Parker, and Dpty. Sec. of Statistical Services John Oakes.

Claude Gormasson's resignation was expected after the former Transportation Secretary came under fire for his department's handling of several recent airplane crashes. His agency came under scrutiny after 13 small planes crashed in Grassadellan air space, killing a combined total of 21 people. The Transporation Department was criticized for its slow response and seeming incompetence and irresponsible investigations. Dlg. Brian Brown (C-TRI), who heads the House Transportation Committee, also came under fire for his handling of the tragedies. Calls for Gormasson's resignation and Brown's resignation from the House Transporation Committee, have been coming since the first plane crash in northeaster Ceona happened back in April, killing 13 people on board.