Williams seeks MPs' support in Harper fight

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is getting lukewarm support from members of Parliament for his threats to campaign against Stephen Harper if the prime minister doesn't keep his word on equalization.

Williams vowed in October thatConservatives would be shut outin the province in the next federal election if Harper reneged on a written campaign promise to keep non-renewable energy resources out of the equalization formula.

Early in December, he reiterated thatthreat, saying he would take his campaign against the Conservatives across Canada.

Williams already has support from Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert, but he's also trying to enlist federal MPs in his fight.

"I'm writing a letter to all our federal MPs, asking for their unequivocal support on this particular issue because they know the commitments were made," Williams said recently."And I don't think anybody in this province wants to see anything happen that's going to undo the consequences of the Atlantic accord."

Liberal MPs Bill Matthews and Gerry Byrne have written back with their full support, but Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn, who is Newfoundland and Labrador's federal cabinet representative, said he hasn't decided if he will even respond to the premier's request for support.

"I report to the prime minister. I'm not subservient to anybody except the people of Newfoundland. So I'll certainly do whatever needs to be done but I'll do things my way," Hearn said."I've always done it my way and have always been successful."

Hearn maintains there is no need for the provincial government to worry about changes to the equalization formula. He believes Newfoundland and Labrador will get a good deal, because of provincial Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan's negotiating tactics.

"There is nobody, including former minister Ralph Goodale, sitting around the table that could out-negotiate Minister Sullivan," Hearn said. "So with his expertise, and with the back-up he has with the premier, if we don't get a good deal, we can blame ourselves. But collectively we'll make sure that we do [get a good deal]."

Hearn said the Conservatives will live up to the election promises, but Williams's pressure tactics won't be a factor.