Clowning around at the gym with boxing gloves on is nothing unusual for Tri-Cities councillors Diana Dilworth and Selina Robinson.

Unlike some political opposites who might use those same gloves to actually inflict a hurting, nothing could be further from the minds of the two politicians.

Dilworth, a long-time Port Moody councillor, and Robinson, a two-time Coquitlam councillor, are friends.

Not the kind of faux friendship some politicians might put on for the public, where they eventually turn their backs and grumble once an event or meeting is over.

The two women are truly friends.

They work out together, support each other in their personal lives, partner to help local charities and - from time to time - finish each others' sentences.

Friendships aren't unusual, but in the bruising sport of politics, a bond between two would-be political foes is somewhat of an anomaly.

Dilworth would fall somewhere on the right side of the political spectrum, having run federally for the Conservatives in New Westminster-

Coquitlam in 2009 and 2011 and more recently worked on the Liberal campaign for Dennis Marsden during last spring's provincial byelec-tion in Port Moody.

Meanwhile, Robinson just sewed up her spot as the NDP candidate for Coquitlam-Maillardville in the next provincial election.

The two councillors recently spoke to The NOW about their unique friendship.

"I would argue we share the same ideals; it's how to get there," Robinson said, as the two prepared for one of their regular workouts in Coquitlam.

"We have different perspectives on how to achieve the goals that we want."

Dilworth offered her take on the relationship.

"I don't like her leader, I don't like her party, but she's [Robinson] a very good politician," she said.

While Dilworth suggested the nature of federal and provincial party politics does set up politicians for conflict, it's a little different with a municipal council.

Local government allows politicians of all stripes to work together for a common good.

The two acknowledge their political differences, but note their friendship is built on much more than their connection to politics.

They both enjoy their children, families and the occasional glass of wine.

"We have enough in common that we don't need to get into politics," Robinson said.

However, the two politicians admit they do lean on each other on occasion when dealing with the tribulations of their respective councils.

Going back several years, the pair knew each other casually while Dilworth was a councillor and Robinson worked for SHARE.

But in the summer of 2008, as Robinson got ready to run for a spot on Coquitlam city council, Dilworth invited her out for a glass of wine and a chat about what she could expect as she entered the world of politics.

The two instantly hit it off - even labelling themselves "The Divas."

In the years that followed, both women would bounce ideas off each other and work to raise awareness about the various community events in the Tri-Cities, including one of their own that would prove to be a success.

Dilworth said she'd always had an idea of hosting an Oscar party. It involved putting on a party like the big bash in Hollywood, equipped with a red carpet, paparazzi - and of course, the outfits.

Robinson jumped on board right away, and with the help of a third diva, event planner Polly Krier, the first annual Tri-Cities Oscar night was launched in 2011.

It allowed the three to fully indulge in their diva side, but beyond the fun, it was another opportunity for the two politicians to bring awareness to a charity or cause close to their hearts.

The divas used the Oscar party to raise funds for a charity of their choice.

"The truth is we're not divas," Robinson said. "It's a way of coming together and supporting the good work these organizations do."

However, they have taken the nickname to a whole other level recently, bringing caricatures of each other to community events when one or two of the three divas aren't in attendance.

Dilworth said the whole diva idea is all in fun.

"We love to attend community events. We love to bring awareness to events that are going on and groups that need help."

"We're both really up for a good time," Robinson added.

As for the future, the two said they have plans to take the divas on the road, perhaps a trip to Mexico.

And with a looming provincial election on hand and Robinson flying the orange NDP flag, it doesn't look like the race will come between the friendship.

Since Dilworth doesn't live in the riding, she won't have to choose between party and friend, ultimately ensuring the pair will continue their diva ways for at least one election cycle.

jdeutsch@thenownews.com