"Leadership isn’t just about demanding, it’s about getting things done. This is as much a test of leadership for Premier Williams as it is the Prime Minister," said Grimes

"Loyola Sullivan should be allowed to consider the options available in order to get this deal done," said Grimes. "We have a commitment from the Prime Minister and a willingness to sit down and hammer out the details of a deal. Loyola Sullivan is wasting this rare opportunity if he is sitting in Ottawa with the Premier holding his hands behind his back."

Grimes said the time to reach this deal is now. "Premier Williams and Prime Minister Martin must address the issues that are still on the table and find a way to work around the current differences so we can achieve what is rightfully ours in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Grimes would like to know whether or not Minister Sullivan has the authority to negotiate the details of an agreement in Ottawa today. "Is Minister Sullivan able to consider the various options available to us in order to get this deal done? Has Premier Williams given him the mandate to go to Ottawa to get a deal done or is he simply sitting at the table demanding his way or the highway? We can get 100 per cent if the Minister is given the mandate to work out the details.

"The issues of a time-frame and measuring fiscal capacity are the stumbling blocks to reaching a deal at this point in time. Now is the time for our political leaders at both levels to step up to the plate and deliver the leadership necessary to ensure we can reach a deal that provides 100 per cent of the revenues from the offshore to Newfoundland and Labrador."