Ronin eyes Central Nova seat

PUGWASH RIVER - A former River John resident says he plans to run as an independent in Central Nova in the next federal election.

Sebastian Ronan has not yet filed nomination papers and plans to spend the summer collecting the required 100 signatures. But Ronan, who now lives in Pugwash River, Cumberland County, says the Elizabeth May-Stephane Dion pact prompted him to jump into politics.

"The May-Dion pact, separate from Green and Liberal philosophies, is a political act," Ronan said. "As such, it can be contested at the electoral level. For those Liberal voters who are opposed to having their freedom of political expression denied and who will not vote Green, Conservative or NDP, I am offering the electoral option for a more constructive protest vote than merely staying home on election night."

Ronan, a member of the provincial Green Party and a former Green when he resided in British Columbia, said he resigned from the party because he disagreed with the idea of a national Green Party.

Although he now resides outside of the riding, Ronan said he has strong ties to the area.

"It's where my in-laws live, my friends and family are there," he said. "I established my business, Abel's Canes, there. It's where I've lived as a Nova Scotian for years."

Ronan has established the website www.roninnova.ca and can be contacted via email at sebastian.ronin@ns.sympatico.ca.