Patronage became odious, at least in part, because of the high-profile televised debate between Brian Mulroney and John Turner preceding the general election of 1984. Mr. Mulroney pictured all patronage as a great evil that must be eradicated -- until, of course he became prime minister and in charge of the patronage package. In that famous debate, which set the tone for the election that followed, Mr. Turner virtually conceded that patronage was sinful when he publicly stated that he was forced to agree to a lengthy list of appointees prepared on behalf of his predecessor, Pierre Trudeau. It was a foolish concession. Mr. Turner should have defended the judicious use of patronage and the many capable names on the Trudeau list.