Yellowknife (July 05/04) - Some MLAs are "surprised" at Liberal MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew's comments made during an interview on the CBC television program Northbeat alleging they were affiliated with the Conservative Party during the election campaign.

She accused Kam Lake MLA Dave Ramsey, Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins, Yellowknife South MLA Brendan Bell and Hay River North MLA Paul Delorey of promoting the Conservative Party in the NWT.

Ramsey admitted he's been a member of the Conservative Party since he was 16 and was a national co-chair in federal election for the Conservatives, but said that's well within his rights.

"That's why we live in a free and democratic country," Ramsey said. "None of (Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Delorey and Mr. Bell) are card-carrying members of the Conservative Party."

Bell said he was not sure how the comments fit in with the election.

"It was a very close race between the liberals and the NDP," Bell said. "I'm kind of at a loss for how the Conservatives factor into that."

Hawkins said he was disappointed by the comments.

"From my position I would like her to prove that allegation," Hawkins said.

Ramsey said Blondin-Andrew should look at other issues for the election result.

"She must think people living North of 60 weren't paying attention to the waste and corruption and scandal coming out of Ottawa," Ramsey said.

Delorey called Blondin-Andrew's comments "quite unprofessional."

Delorey admitted that he has been openly critical of her effort to promote revenue sharing between Ottawa and the GNWT.

"I'm still of the opinion that the MP is not taking up the fight we're trying to fight."