If National wins ...

[winner69]

Maurice gone .....good riddance

But heck how does Crusher hang in there .....she made more 'errors of judgement' than poor old Maurice ......and lots more shonky (if that's a word)

[artemis]

Maurice gone .....good riddance. But heck how does Crusher hang in there .....she made more 'errors of judgement' than poor old Maurice ......and lots more shonky (if that's a word)

Don't you think, though, that these Minister related issues are of little or no interest to the great mass of voters? Mr Key has closed down one issue today, but honestly most people outside his electorate will shrug and forget. That's if they take any notice at all. Meantime Mr Key has done a 'Helen Clark' - move along, nothing to see - and probably ensured some new blood come the election.

BTW, I still think there is a decent chance of a change of government in September. A ragtag leftish coalition will, however, be a nightmare to manage.

[craic]

Craic
regarding John Key, do you not think he has had a very lucky run with benign domestic economic conditions and an opposition which has been unable to gain traction. I am uncertain what his next term may bring, however he has a reckless tendency which may be emboldened in his third term. This may cause a misjudgement severe enough to sink his political career faster than the Lusitania off the Old Head of Kinsale.
Wealthy backers, I predict, of National will also demand more payback in the Third term with respect to right wing economic policy agenda/ wish lists which he will struggle to push back.
It will be a very interesting spectacle indeed.

I think JK's reckless tendancy is not to be confused with the foolishness of those, who because of their position, shove hands up womens skirts or get special favours or work done in exchange for preferential treatment or the like. Some of his off-the-cuff remarks tend to offend groups who have a different agenda. He has made the point on more than one occasion, that when his turn is over, he will be happy to move on. Labours problem is not John Key and the constant cries of resign every time they find some misdemeanor do little for the cause. They have to convince the swinging voters that there is considerable benefit in voting for them and they need to convince them of the quality of their leadership. I don't see a lot of progress in those areas.

[Harvey Specter]

BTW, I still think there is a decent chance of a change of government in September. A ragtag leftish coalition will, however, be a nightmare to manage.

David Farrar has put it out there that it may actually be better for National to lose this one, have the left self destruct such that the only get one term with the view National would win the next three, rather than scrap though this one (espeically if you have to rely on Winston) and then lose the next three.

The theory being that they wont be able to acheive much in three years as you will need agreement from 5 parties, all with completely different agendas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...of_New_Zealand

[craic]

I have heard that suggestion over the years approaching other elections but it never happens - politicians want to win at all costs. I would like to see JK get to the stage where he depends on Winstons vote then, with grace and dignity, give Winston the fingers and move without further comment to the opposition benches. Winston, Cunliffe and the Greens leader together? That would be a lot of fun - Like watching three people trying to ride a unicycle, together.

[slimwin]

Nope. A nightmare. But at least nothing will get achieved...

[Harvey Specter]

I have heard that suggestion over the years approaching other elections but it never happens - politicians want to win at all costs.

Agree.

But will be interesting to see what happens if winston does hold the balance of power.

[Sgt Pepper]

B
Just read interesting piece on the candidates for the Clutha Electorate. Apparently Bill English is going to be a list MP only. The new National candidate is Todd Barclay, a 23year old professional lobbyist for THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY!!!! Opposing him as the Labour Candidate is Liz Craig a 3oyr old Doctor /Public Health Specialist.
OMG if Dr Liz Craig wins what an upset that would be.

[craic]

And the Sanctimonious editor failed to comment on the large multi-coloured advertisement for a fourteen-million dollar Powerball Jackpot right beside his bit. In my time I met quite a few gamblers before the Court from their addiction - far more than the odd tobacco addict. As the man says, a drovers dog would win the seat for National so obviously this young guy has some qualities they can use.

[Xerof]

At 23 years old?

yes, he's being groomed to take over from Key when he retires after 9 consecutive terms