Former d'Entremont Staff Member Calls Floor-Crossing 'A Slap in the Face'
Brian Hirtle, who worked closely with Chris d'Entremont during his federal election campaigns in Acadie-Annapolis, expressed strong disappointment after the MP's decision to join the Liberal Party.
Hirtle, a Viewmount resident and former president of the Conservative electoral district association, helped secure three election victories for d'Entremont before retiring six months ago. He said the news of the floor-crossing was shocking.
“I woke up from a nap and the phone lit up everywhere. It was all over the news that he was considering it. I was as shocked as anybody.”
Hirtle described d’Entremont’s decision as “self-serving” and said it felt like a betrayal to the community that worked hard for his success.
“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.”
The team, Hirtle noted, was proud to have kept the only Conservative seat in Nova Scotia, which d’Entremont has now relinquished.
Despite their past friendship and collaboration, Hirtle is unsure how their next encounter will unfold following this political shift.
He also shared the impact on younger voters who supported d’Entremont in April, many of whom were first-time political supporters.
“He feels very betrayed,” Hirtle said.
Summary: Brian Hirtle, former staffer, views MP Chris d'Entremont’s switch to the Liberals as a personal betrayal and a disservice to the community that supported his Conservative victories.