Once upon a time, not long ago, late-spring Sundays were made for gardening, playing with the kids, puttering around the house or flaking out in front of the TV. Even politicians, journalists and opinionated scribes (read: Me) could take a break. But alas this fairy tale land exists no more. Sundays are now for cabinet shuffles, political spin and damage control.

Over the last two weekends we have seen two shuffles of senior Ministers in the Chretien government. Ten days ago, Art Eggleton was turfed from Defence for awarding a contract to his former girlfriend. At the same time, Don Boudria was demoted from Public Works back to his ‘binder boy' roots as Government House Leader due to his family getaway at the Boulay chalet in Quebec.

This little shuffle registered a healthy six on the political Richter scale. But a full-force level eight political earthquake rumbled through Ottawa three days ago with the firing - don't let the PM tell you different - of Paul Martin from Finance and the appointment of Ottawa South MP John Manley to fill his shoes.

Given Mr. Manley's meteoric rise through Cabinet since 2001 and how events - both international and domestic - have conspired to bolster his career, it wouldn't be surprising if he ended up as Secretary General of the UN by Christmas. Okay this is a bit of a stretch but Mr. Manley's climb to now sit uncontested as the number two guy in the government is a story in and of itself.

There is no doubt in my mind that more Ministers may fall before Labour Day and you can pretty much bet the farm that the civil war in the Liberal Party - because that's what this is - will now play itself out in the national media with weekly stories of membership recruitment issues, political organizing and the like.

While all this is interesting for the national press gallery and political junkies, the more troubling issue for the nation is that three senior posts are now occupied by three new ministers. John McCallum, former Royal Bank economist and before that Dean of Arts at McGill University, sits as Minister of Defence. Ralph Goodale is now Canada's chief contract giver as top boss at Public Works. And, as mentioned earlier, John Manley is the kingpin at Finance.

Both Mssrs. McCallum and Manley are quick studies, and along with Mr. Goodale, all are surely burning the midnight oil as they plough through their ministerial briefing binders. But being the kind soul that I am, yours truly wants to help these folks out. So herewith is Robinson's abbreviated, I mean really abbreviated, briefing session for each Minister.

First up, Ralph Goodale. "Mr. Minister, congratulations on your new posting. As Public Works Minister, you must stay out of trouble. Here's what you do. Cancel all sponsorship contracts. Never stay at anyone's home for a vacation. Tender everything under the sun to ensure fair, competitive and transparent bids. And if contracting matters look at all suspicious, ensure that the Auditor General's number is speed-dial number one on your phone and the RCMP is number two."

Next, John McCallum. "John, my old CBC counterspin verbal sparring buddy, congrats on your new gig. Although I still liked you better in your former life as a bank economist. Nonetheless, your task is formidable. Of course the 15 or so 3-inch briefing binders on your desk will tell you everything you need to know; but they've got ulcers and massive coronary written all over them."

"Here's what you do instead. Call your colleague and Nepean-Carleton MP David Pratt. As Chair of the Commons Standing Committee on National Defence, his group just produced a comprehensive and realistic report on the state of our armed forces. Take Mr. Pratt to dinner to pick his brain, pressure the PM to make him your parliamentary secretary and treat the report's recommendations as your personal to-do list. This should keep you busy until the next election."

Finally, we turn to John Manley. "John, let's let bygones be bygones. Oh sure the CTF issued scathing reports on Industry Canada's corporate welfare activities and yes the PM forced you offside during the NHL subsides debate … but let's look to the future. As Finance Minister, you must become very comfortable with saying; repeat after me, NO, that's "N" followed by the letter "O". This is a prerequisite for Tuesday cabinet meetings. On the policy front keep these four points in mind: legislated debt reduction, competitive tax framework, a new deal for cities and spending control."

"Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. You're the deputy PM. You're the Minister responsible for infrastructure. You're the point man with George dubya's boy, Tom Ridge - who only has one job - on border and security issues. Let's not forget political Minster for Ontario and of course, you're an MP. So if Finance gets confusing or you need some strategic counsel, just drop me a line, you'll find my email below."