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Harpauer is an earnest and straightforward person, but she hasn’t been especially successful in any of her cabinet assignments, often running into conflict with stakeholders and sometimes struggling with basic comments. (Last year, she admitted she didn’t really understood how SaskPower grants-in-lieu to the cities worked, but cut them anyway. A lot of urban politicians and their taxpayers are now unhappy.)

Moreover, Harpauer now must sell a wicked budget she didn’t present, while preparing an equally tough one she may not get to present if the new premier doesn’t want her in the portfolio.

Similarly, the re-emergence of Heppner to Energy marks her third reincarnation in cabinet. Her past lives weren’t all that successful.

There were positives in the shuffle.

Don Morgan should offer a steady hand as deputy premier. Having him serve as Justice and Labour Minister seems more practical than having an Education and Labour Minister. Dustin Duncan should be an effective troubleshooter in Environment, SaskPower, SaskWater Security Agency and especially the GTH, where his no-nonsense less-spin reputation will be welcomed.

The addition of newcomer Steven Bonk already seems overdue, although the Economy ministry will be a challenge.

Gene Makowsky in Parks, Recreation, Culture and Sports is a perfect fit for a guy who’s kept his nose to the grindstone. Wall’s offering an olive branch on the 49-per-cent privatization was wise.

But Tuesday’s appointments also included the elevation of Larry Doke and Paul Merriman to cabinet. So far, all they have been known for is the stooge work of running interference to block potential legislative committee witnesses.

Cabinet shuffles and leadership races are supposed to be all about renewal.

Mostly, this shuffle was about patching holes in a listing ship with whatever materials were handy.

Mandryk is the political columnist for the Regina Leader-Post.

mmandryk@postmedia.com