No apologies for criticizing judge: Williams

Premier Danny Williams is refusing to apologize for lashing out at the judge who ruled against his government over the leadership of the board regulating the offshore oil industry.

Williams told CBC News he has no regrets about describing Newfoundland Supreme Court Justice Raymond Halley as having gone "over the top" when he wrote his ruling on the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB).

"The bottom line on this is I will tackle or fight or disagree or argue with anybody who I think will stand in the way of the best interests of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador whether that happens to be a prime minister, a judge or a panel, or anybody else," Williams said.

Halley ruled Aug. 7 that Max Ruelokke ought to have been appointed immediately as CNLOPB chair and chief executive officer when an arbitrational panel selected him last December.

Instead, the provincial government has refused to follow through with Ruelokke's appointment to the board, which is managed by the provincial and federal governments.

Williams had wanted St. John's Mayor Andy Wells to fill the post, and in recent months has wanted to split the position. Williams,whosaid he sees the issue of board leadership as key to the province's economic future, believes Wells would challenge the oil companies.

Ruelokke was the choice of the former Liberal government in Ottawa, but has also received backing from the current Conservative government.

In his ruling, Halley described the provincial government's delaying tactics as "reprehensible."

Williams, who earlier this week suggested Halley "got up on the wrong side of the bed," told CBC News he feels Halley was overzealous in his writing his decision.

"We all get up on the wrong side of the bed. I have good days and I have bad days and perhaps that was a day when he felt a little more zealous than he normally would feel," Williams said Wednesday.

"I'm not alleging any impropriety, but judges make mistakes."

Ruelokke too much in the papers, Williams says

Meanwhile, Williams also knocked Ruelokke for comments made to media outlets since the Halley decision came down.

"You know, Mr. Ruelokke had been kind of in the papers, in everybody's face on this particular one, in order to express his viewpoint," Williams said. "It might be just better if he just kept his head down and let the process run its proper legal course."

Ruelokke said the description of him as a publicity-seeker is wrong.

"I have not gone seeking the attention of the media. I have not failed to respond, however, to media on my views on what's happened," he said.

Ruelokke said he would continue to answer journalists' questions.

Ready to begin work after Labour Day

Ruelokke's lawyer has written to the provincial government to say that Ruelokke would like to start his job Sept. 5.

Williams said he can, if the province decides not to appeal, although it has until Sept. 11 to make that decision.

Meanwhile, Liberal Leader Gerry Reid wants Williams to apologize to both Halley and Ruelokke.

"I think the premier was rather childish in his remarks," Reid said.

"He showed absolutely no respect for our legal system. The premier of the province should pay respect to our institutions."

Williams said he is within his rights to criticize Halley's ruling, as a premier as well as a lawyer.