This just in – and we're glad to hear it: former CTV broadcaster and all-round great Canadian Seamus O'Regan will be seeking the Liberal nomination in the St. John's South-Pearl riding in Newfoundland. Seamus is an incredible talent but more than that – he understands Canadians. That was evident in the incredibly warm and insightful essay he penned for Canadian Living in the lead-up to the Winter Olympics. He's got that special gift which seems to allude so many politicians: namely, the ability to connect with real, everyday Canadians.  

(Courtesy NSB)

The 43-year-old Newfoundland native (he was born in St. John's) has a lot going for him. Not only has he proved himself in the media arena  – which is probably the best training ground for a politician these days – and in philanthropic circles, Seamus also studied politics at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and at University College, Dublin, Ireland. Response to news of Seamus' leap into politics has been greeted positively, though not without a few humorous digs from his fellow East Coasters.  "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" star Mark Critch tweeted this morning: "Excited @SeamusORegan is running for the liberals. Not because I think he'd be good, I just need more pasty white newfs to play." Republic of Doyle creator and star Allan Hawco was short and sweet: "Do It!" My favourite passage in the pre-Olympic piece Seamus wrote for Canadian Living will strike a chord with many Canadians :

"Yes, we Canadians are resilient and determined, and we should be proud of that. But we're allowed to be hotshots every now and again—to accept that we're damn good, and to revel in it."  

I'd vote for that.