It was quite the Stampede for Premier Danielle Smith. She entered it a little bruised and bloodied, but left it with the political winds once more blowing in her favour.

Heading into the annual celebration, the premier was still putting out fires on several fronts — not least of which was the threat UCP insiders might target her for removal. She’d recently come out strongly in backing a united Canada, much to the chagrin of some party members who considered her either as a closet separatist or at least a stoically silent federalist.

Then there was her silly and ill-advised involvement in what is an entirely municipal concern — the age-old row over loud music and undue late-night partying during Stampede.

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On top of this was fallout from yet another of those seemingly endless rejigs of the provincial health-care system........

© Calgary Herald