A political strategist in Ottawa is praising St. John's South-Mount Pearl MP Seamus O'Regan for going public about his battle with the bottle, but Tim Powers says staying sober will be a lifelong challenge. "It's a very brave thing to do, and we all wish him luck as he begins this battle, which doesn't end. It lasts your whole life," said Powers, in an interview Monday with CBC Television's Here and Now. "I say bravo to Seamus on both fronts," he said about O'Regan's decision to seek treatment, and to talk openly about it.

Seamus O'Regan greets supporters on election night. (Photo: Paul Daly/CP) "As a politician, he's a leader," said Powers. "And by going public and talking about his struggles, he helps humanize an issue — alcohol addiction — that's very real for many people." Power, who spoke with O'Regan Sunday said he doesn't know if any one thing was a catalyst. "Seamus has had a lot of change in his life over the last year-and-a-half. I'm not a doctor so I won't try and diagnose how that manifested itself, but I think he decided....that now is the time to take control." Ottawa like a 'frat party' Powers, who is now vice chair of Summa Strategies, has worked with the Conservative Party of Canada and with John Crosbie when he was Minister of Fisheries. He said Ottawa can be a tough place to stay sober. "There are a number of other politicians here that fight the demon drink," said Power. "Ottawa is a bit like a frat party all of the time. He's going to need good support around here, and people who will help him when he feels the temptation to drink again." He said O'Regan is not the first MP to struggle with alcoholism.