Angry in the Great White North

That there is a fight between a provincial government and the federal government is unfortunate, but fights happen. Different levels of government argue. They disagree on priorities and on division of powers. Indeed, past Quebec governments disagreed on whether the federation itself was legitimate.

But the fight between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams was raw and personal. And that rawness and that personal animosity was out in the open for all to see:

In the year since, Harper and Williams have traded barbs in a bitter public feud that centres on Newfoundland's share of revenues derived from its offshore oil industry.

Each has taken out competing newspaper advertisements attacking the other's position and credibility, and Williams has disdainfully referred to Harper simply as "Steve." After last month's provincial election, Williams said his landslide victory was "a vote of confidence" to continue his fight.

Harper has repeatedly denied breaking any promise, emphasizing that Newfoundland has the right to stick with the Atlantic Accord. But Williams said the accord was never at issue, and he shouldn't have to give it up to gain improvements under a new equalization formula.

Danny Williams declared the "ABC" policy -- "Anything But Conservative".

The underlying problem remains, but the real breakthrough is that the two sides are talking to each other. And with some measure of real civility:

In a rare show of diplomacy, Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams signalled Friday he is willing to end his feud over equalization with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, but it would take $10 billion in compensation over 15 years.

Williams made the offer after meeting with Harper for about an hour in a bid to iron out their differences over Newfoundland's ability to retain its offshore oil revenues.

Williams said the meeting was cordial and the two "agreed to disagree" about the Atlantic Accord - a federal-provincial deal that protects the province's offshore energy revenues from clawbacks under the equalization formula.

Danny Williams might have won an election with his populist anti-Harper rhetoric, but I'm betting he was reminded by his caucus that you can't run a successful organization on emotion alone. Williams might rant and he might roar like a true Newfoundlander, but governance is more sublte than that. Whatever the reason, there is an opening for a solution here. A deal can now be reached that could give each side something that they need.

For Danny Williams, a promise of money that he can use to justify his theatrics of the past year and seal his reputation as an effective defender of Newfoundland's interests.

For Stephen Harper, a rapprochement that denies the federal Liberals and the NDP the stick of federal-provincial discord to use in any upcoming election.

When you think about it, the two sides in this aren't really fighting for the same prize. Coming up with a way for both sides to win ought to be possible.