Robert Clarke

**The Hon. Robert Clarke, MRI, MP**
12th Minister of Defence
Term:	18 November 2006–
Predecessor:	Steve McLaren
Successor:	Incumbent
12th Minister of Finance
Term:	13 January 2006–11 February 2006
Predecessor:	Andrew Spearman
Successor:	Péricles Maranhão Neto
20th Leader of the Opposition
Term:	7 June 2006–27 August 2006
Predecessor:	Marcus Smallegan
Successor:	Marcus Smallegan
Born	9 May, 1979: Loygre, Ibagli
Spouse	Jennifer Clarke

The Honourable Robert Clarke, MRI, MP is the Minister of Defence of Ibagli. From January to February 2006 he served as Minister of Finance.

Clarke was born on 9 May 1979 in Loygre. He pursued higher education at McGill University in Montreal and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., studying political science, business, and economics. After finishing at university, he served for a short time as director of marketing for a crown corporation before entering into politics.

Entry into Politics

Having been resident in Ibagli and Canada - two states governed under the Westminster system - he recognized what he felt to be the many problems plaguing the system. He felt that change was needed, and it seemed that no one was willing to listen. A self-described reformist, Clarke went in search of a vessel to bring his political ideals to life. After considering applying for candidacy with the Conservative Party, he heard rumours of a new political movement forming.

In August 2005, Clarke arranged a meeting with Marcus Smallegan, leader of the then-fledgling New Conservative Party. Smallegan explained in great detail the values and beliefs of his proposed party, and decided, without any hesitation, to add his support to revolutionize politics in Ibagli. Clarke was offered the position of Secretary General and began his campaign as a New Conservative candidate in his home-town riding of Loygre-West. He was elected to the House of Commons as a New Conservative on August 10, 2005.

Just over two weeks later, on August 25, Clarke became the New Conservative Advisor on Budget Affairs and Public Relations. Smallegan and Clarke organized the New Conservative official launch party, kicking off the political movement. Overnight the New Conservative Party became the Official Opposition, drawing strength from all corners of the island nation.

Clarke, a social liberal and fiscal conservative, was a loyal member of the New Conservative Party, and worked hard to advance its centrist views. He penned the popular Bill C-603, or "Tobacco Revenue Act", increasing the tax on cigarettes by 300% to reimburse a struggling healthcare system. Bill C-603 passed by a landslide majority.

During the 2006 Election Campaign, Clarke worked closely with Smallegan to create a party platform. Clarke delivered key speeches in the election regarding Healthcare and Emergency Preparedness, resulting in a wave of NCP support.

Although details are confidential, Clarke denounced the idea of a merger between the Green Party and the New Conservative Party during the election, calling the merger a "Progressive Mistake". Smallegan heeded the advice of Clarke and the party, and a merger was avoided. Opposing parties then accused the New Conservative Party of being divided, saying Smallegan had lost support of the party, which in their eyes was facing an identity crisis. Clarke stepped up to the plate and reaffirmed support in Smallegan's leadership and that the New Conservative Party was united and strong.

Soon thereafter, Péricles Maranhão Neto crossed the aisle to join the Liberal Party, resigning his position of Associate Position. Clarke was asked by Smallegan to fill the position and accepted.

Minister of the Crown

After the election yielded a government consisting of a New Conservative-Conservative Alliance (see: Conservative Alliance of Ibagli). Clarke was given a cabinet position and became the Minister of Finance on January 13, 2006. However, after a brief struggle between parties, the Conservative Alliance was voted out on a motion of confidence, and Clarke, along with other Alliance members lost their positions.

After the resignation of Smallegan from the leadership of the New Conservative Party, Clarke became leader of the party and Leader of the Opposition. However, Smallegan soon returned to Parliament, and Clarke yielded control of the party back to him.

In October 2006, the New Conservative Party merged with the Conservative Party under the leadership of former Prime Minister Sir John Goodwin. The party won a majority government in the general election soon after, and Clarke was appointed Minister of Defence in the new Goodwin government.

He currently lives in Haphonia with his wife, Jennifer.

Leaders of the Loyal Opposition