How Fabian Manning survived 'Hurricane Danny'

It was a distressed phone call from his then 15-year-old son in April 2005 that marked a turning point in Senator Fabian Manning's political career, and also marked the beginning of the end of his tenure under what he calls "Hurricane Danny." 

It was during the height of debate over the controversial raw materials sharing plan for the crab fishery, and much of the fishing industry was up-in-arms against the government of then-premier Danny Williams.

Fabian Manning was the MHA for Placentia and St. Mary's, and a high-profile member of Williams' government.

That night, his oldest son, Fabian Jr., called to say he was quitting the basketball team at his school because his teammates were "giving him the gears" over Manning's support for the crab policy.

It was an eye-opener for Manning, and he decided "that type of politics just wasn't worth that for me and my family."

He broke ranks with his government colleagues on the issue, and within weeks was voted out of the PC caucus.

"Whatever was going to happen to me would not be as difficult as that call from Fabian Jr," Manning said during a very personal and revealing speech to an industrial conference in Placentia on Sept. 23.

Manning stands by his actions 10 years ago, "because it was all about who and what was most important."

No more political worries for Manning

Manning's reflections on that raucous period in his life were part of a speech about balancing work and life from a politician's perspective.

His remarks were timely, with a federal election campaign well underway, and a provincial election also scheduled for Nov. 30.

As an appointed member of the Senate of Canada, a job that guarantees him 24 more years of continuous employment, Manning's political stress level now is far lower than those seeking office this fall.

It wasn't always that way.

"There were a few days of high winds, and high seas, and then there was Hurricane Danny," Manning quipped, referring to the former premier.

Politics a family affair in the Manning household

Manning said he's most grateful that throughout his 23 years in public life, his compass has always guided him back to his family and friends in St. Bride's.

"My political career has been a family affair since Day One," he said.

"After almost 25 years in public life, two auditor general reports, a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary investigation, election wins and election losses, and at times massive public scrutiny, I am most proud of the fact that my family is still strong and together," said Manning. 

Manning concentrated much of his speech on the changes in public life brought about by social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

He said it's now impossible for politicians to separate their personal lives from their public lives.

When he entered politics, if someone wanted to criticize you, you likely knew who they were, and the exchange was often face-to-face.

"It is not like that today, where Frog Lips 1 or Frog Lips 2 or Tommy in the Bog can tear strips off you all day long, hidden away with their laptops or iPad, in the basement of their homes with … a social life equal to that of a turtle."

Manning understands the growing level of cynicism, but said he still believes that politics is a noble calling.