Wanted: ACT MPs
November 27th, 2004 at 11:12 am by David FarrarRodney has a little problem with his list. If Prebble retires next year ACT will get another List MP to replace him. Now this is not a problem if it is another Kenneth Wang.
However the next list candidate is Paul King, and as reported Rodney has (sort of) talked him out of becoming an MP as he has a few umm business issues.
Trouble is next on the list is Owen Jennings who had a few business problems of his own when he was an MP. And after that is another ex MP Penny Webster. Personally I don’t think having ex MPs return is what ACT needs.
Down to No 14 and we have Andrew Davies whom I have never met, but from what I can tell of his writings he might be more comfortable in United Future (and the UF list gets scary when you start to go down it).
Next at No 15 is Dick Quax. Now that would be a good outcome – a Richard for a Richard.
So all Rodney has to do is convince Nos 11, 12, 13 and 14 to all say no when offered a place in Parliament – easy 
November 27th, 2004 at 11:59 am
Actually David, Andy Davies would make an outstanding MP – he may be a little socially conservative in his own beliefs, but is outwardly tolerant. I think he would make a fine MP for either National or ACT – and my recollections of him from my ACT days was that he was a hard worker for the party between elections too.
Penny Webster is an unlikely candidate for a return to Parliament as she has been elected to the local council in Rodney District.
Vote:November 27th, 2004 at 7:31 pm
That’s my take on Andy, a moral conservative to be sure, but he’d be good value in much the same way that someone like Muriel is.
But having Owen back in Parliament would be great, considering the members wanted him back there in the first place.
Vote:November 28th, 2004 at 12:11 am
Is that Paul King of Student Choice around mid 1990s in Wakiato?
Vote:November 28th, 2004 at 12:44 pm
Could anyone tell me if muriel was ever on a benefit?(DPB).I seem to remember Idid some work for her years ago,and that was the situation.
Vote:November 28th, 2004 at 7:09 pm
Yes, she was on it for a wee while, it’s been well documented.
Vote:November 29th, 2004 at 1:41 pm
It’s hard to understand why Owen Jennings feels like a fit for ACT, given his enthusiasm for government pork for rural areas and government in the bedroom.
Aren’t ACT about inidividual freedom and small government?
Vote:December 3rd, 2004 at 3:48 pm
Bit late to post on this, but I think the ethical requirements of business and politics differ widely. Most succesful business people step as close to the line as they can – given that everyone else does it’s often the only way to succeed. Politicans have to be visibly above suspicion, or scandals will ensue..
I think the problem parties have is when a business person enters politics – obviously more of a problem for right-wing over left-wing parties.
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