‘It’s a lonely spot at times’: Stephen McNeil talks about job as premier

HALIFAX – Stephen McNeil opened up about what it’s like to be Nova Scotia’s premier during an interview on Global’s Morning News program on Thursday.

He said he has no regrets about running for the job 18 months ago, but added it can be “a lonely spot at times.”

“You have to make some difficult decisions,” he said. “At the end of the day, they end up on your desk and you have to take the information you’re given at that moment in time to make that decision, and you carry the responsibility of doing that.”

READ MORE: Too much money going to Nova Star ferry in Yarmouth: McNeil

He said he was “thrilled and honoured” to be given that responsibility but said very few people fully understand what it’s like.

“I’ve yet to wake up a single day in the last 18 months and regret putting my name forward to wanting to be the premier of this province,” he said. “This is a great province with lots of opportunity.”

Growing up in a large family

McNeil, who stands 6’5″ tall, said he is only the fourth-tallest member of his family after his older brother and younger twin brothers.

“We were a close-knit group,” he said of himself, his 10 brothers and the rest of his family.

Although his height makes him well-suited for basketball, McNeil said he preferred to play hockey when he was growing up.

After a suggestion that he might be able to help the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs, he laughed.

“I don’t think I’d take that contract,” he said. “I’m a Habs fan.”