Above: Conservative MP Mark Adler in Jerusalem pleas with one of the prime minister’s aides to be allowed in the restricted area to have his photo taken.
For some politicians, political opportunities exist everywhere, even while standing at one of the holiest sites in the world.
Conservative MP Mark Adler, who tried to squeeze his way into a photo-op he seemed certain would help him during the next federal election campaign in 2015, might fall into that category.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit to the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem Tuesday was a popular draw for many supporters, media and those travelling in his delegation.
READ MORE: Singling out Israel for Middle East issues the new anti-Semitism: Harper
Harper and a few select ministers walked in a restricted area toward the wall, past a cheering crowd and groups of devout Jews who were praying at the sacred site.
Others in the delegation were cordoned off behind a barricade, watching.
While some behind the barrier were perhaps appreciating the sanctity of the event, one Conservative MP had visions of re-election dancing in his head.
READ MORE: PMs admit they differ on Israeli settlements
Standing among photographers, Adler, a Toronto MP, saw an opportunity and wanted in.
“Jeremy. Jeremy. Can I get in?” he asked one of Harper’s aides, Jeremy Hunt.
“No,” Hunt replied, bluntly.
“It’s the re-election,” Adler said back, a whine overcoming his tone as the opportunity slipped away. “This is a million-dollar shot.”
“I’m sorry,” Hunt said, explaining that if Adler’s request was ever a possibility it would have been planned already.
Trying another approach, Adler asked whether Hunt could get the prime minister over to the unrestricted area afterward, “to shake hands or something.”
No response from Hunt can be heard on the tape of the exchange.
When Harper was leaving the site with his entourage, Adler was allowed to pass the barricade and snap a quick picture with Harper.
WATCH: Mark Adler brushes off comments as “tongue in cheek”
Harper is on his first trip to the Middle East, with a delegation of 208 people.
In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, the NDP admonished the the behaviour of Adler, one of several Conservative MPs who was invited along on the prime minister’s trip.
“Adler’s outburst makes one thing clear: Conservatives aren’t just in Israel to make new friends,” the release reads. “Instead of focusing on their constituents, Conservatives are running for re-election and having the taxpayer foot the bill.”
The Toronto MP tweeted Tuesday after his experience at the Western Wall, describing it as “incredible.”
But he wasn’t the only person tweeting about it, with the incident even inspiring the hashtag #milliondollarshot.
– With files from Global National’s Ottawa bureau chief Jacques Bourbeau
Comments