EPMU President challenging Benson-Pope
October 30th, 2007 at 1:03 pm by David FarrarThe President of the EPMU, Don Pryde, has announced he will seek the Dunedin South Labour candidacy against David Benson-Pope.
This is significant for a number of reasons.
The first is that the Labour hierarchy often uses the EPMU to say stuff, that they politically don’t want to. Andrew Little started the criticism of Taito Field after it became clear the ongoing defence of him wasn’t working. This then allowed Labour itself to start to criticise him.
And again here, it is a bad look to have a member of Labour ruling Council directly stand against Benson-Pope – as that may generate local resistance. But having Pryde stand backed by the EPMU, protects the Labour hierarchy from a backlash.
Pryde also has a better chance of winning against DBP than Curran. The local electorate has effectively four votes to three from Head Office. But the EPMU are affiliated locally and will probably control one of the four local votes, which with Head Office will give Pryde a majority.
I don’t know much about Pryde but he can only be a step up from DBP, so if he succeeds New Zealand is a winner I say. Of course National will be disappointed to lose DBP as a Labour MP so will be hoping he can fight off the challenger.
Related posts:
- Benson-Pope not standing
- Benson-Pope looks set to stand
- Will Labour expel Benson-Pope?
- What if Benson-Pope wins?
October 30th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Surprise Surprise . Another Unionist is jumping onto the sinking ship
But I would be so sad to see DBP’s demise, he has been so good for National.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
David, I think you may have to whip out the old tinfoil hat with this one. The EPMU is affiliated to the Labour Party but they certainly don’t take their directions from HQ. For example, I can tell you for a fact that Andrew Little’s comments on Taito Phillip Field did not endear him to the Labour hierarchy, even if a lot of the wider membership agreed with his sentiments.
Again, like with your comments about the so-called ‘right-wing faction’, you’re showing your ignorance of the Labour Party’s internal dynamics. I’d suggest you stop before you embarrass yourself even further.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
The unions have always been a prime source of Laobur MPs – not surprising as the Labour Party is the political outgrowth of the labour movement.
As to this idea that Labour somehow directs the EPMU to do things, you’re dreaming and you’ve never met Andrew Little or other senior union leaders if you think they’re at Labour’s beck and call.
You’ve also go the numbers on LEC votes wrong.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
DPF, I also think you’re wrong on your conspiracy theory.
Just like Sam, Tane and sonic are wrong on their conspiracy theories about the bankers and moneymen controlling National, about the BRT writing National policy and all that other usual drivel they come up with.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
And remember, Andrew Little chose not to run for Labour this time round despite the fact that Labour were clearly keen to have him… which suggests he doesn’t simply follow Labour direction.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Very amusing Tane for you to talk about tinfoil hats considering all the conspiracy theories you put out.
Of course Labour does not control the EPMU. But the EPMU and Labour I am sure work together at a high strategic level when it is in their interest to do so. This is one of those times – it is a win/win for Labour and EMPU – nothing wrong with working together.
Using a proxy is not the same as being at the back and call. The proxy has to agree to do it, and will do so only if it suits them also. But please do not pretend Labour and unions do not have a working relationship where they will sometimes co-operate on issues like this.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Sam – you mean there are not three local delegates, three head office delegates and one vote/delegate representing those at the meeting?
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
DPF – of course the unions and Labour cooperate sometimes, although more often than not they operate independently towards the same social and economic goals, but to go from that to say that the EPMU is being used by the ‘hiearchy’ to knock off unwanted MPs is a leap into tinfoil hat territory.
(PaulL – I’m not wrong – where does National’s money come from? Most of it from less than a dozen men who don’t want the extent of their influence over a major party to be public knowledge becuase of the effect that will have on the party’s image. Its all in Brash’s emails and evident in the donation records)
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Urgent call for all trolls to report to thread EPMU we have pirates approaching the right Quarter deck.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
David, no one’s saying Labour and the unions don’t work together. The point is that you’ve laid out a conspiracy theory with absolutely no evidence whatsoever. It’s just the latest in a string of laughable attempts to second-guess what Labour’s doing while trying to show off your supposed insider cred. Judging by your latest effort, you don’t have any.
You also forget the Clare Curran was the PR force behind the EPMU’s fair share campaign and still has very good links with the movement. Anyone who knew anything about how Labour and the unions work would know that Curran would have had the EPMU’s backing if her candidacy was serious.
Seriously bro, stick to commenting on the National Party’s internal goings-on, which I am sure you are privy to. Speaking of which, can you confirm that Tony Ryall is likely to get the axe in the next opposition reshuffle?
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
ROGER, ROGER HELP help we’re struggling here DPF has us cornered !!
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
DPF – ah, mea culpa,, that’s why you put in ‘effectively’, to include the vote from the floor in the local delegates total.
The floor’s the wildcard, it depends who comes along to the meeting and how the majoirty of them vote. Unless the LEC deserts DBP too, which I suspect they will.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
My my Sam Dixon, you do talk some horse shit at times. What of the more than 15,000 financial members who each chucks in a couple of hundred bucks or so? You’ve been watching too many Al Gore docos.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Adolf, what percentage of National’s donations are under $100?
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
“I don’t know much about Pryde but he can only be a step up from DBP, so if he succeeds New Zealand is a winner I say. ”
No one who has so far posted on this appears to give a flying one about New Zealand, only their own little interests.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Oh yeah, Tane, Tony Ryall’s definitely on the outer.
After all, he’s done bugger-all in the health portfolio, apart from stretch Pete Hodgson’s political credibility on the racks, week after week.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Tane said “Seriously bro, stick to commenting on the National Party’s internal goings-on, which I am sure you are privy to. Speaking of which, can you confirm that Tony Ryall is likely to get the axe in the next opposition reshuffle?”
Geez, you’ve got a nerve Tane. Not only thread-jacking, but telling your host what he can and can’t comment on. Keep it up mate, a bright future awaits you in the Labour caucus!
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
IV2, David’s free to comment on whatever he likes. I’m just telling him his insider knowledge of the Labour Party is laughable and he’d be advised to stick to what he knows if he wants to retain any credibility.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
I wouldn’t go on too long about credibility Tane……..
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
dunedin south has great surf thats all i know about it. its a safe labour seat so who cares other than the dbp carry-on.
some useless 2c. now i’m going for a surf.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Jesus DPF, what’s with all the name dropping and claiming insider status to the labour movement? You’re like one of those indie kids desperately trying to build social cred by claiming that they know, or are friends with certain musicians and/or artists, when they actually aren’t. A little sad really mate.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
That is the end of Benson-Pope. There must have been a lot of work behind the scenes to set this up. Benson-Pope’s support will now fade quite quickly. He will be deselected though Helen may offer him a way out with some cushy number so as to not create a problem when he is deseleceted.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
David
It gets a little complicated with Labour electorate selections. There are 4 categories of members on the Selection Committee:
1 – Automatic 3 Head Office appointees
2 – Two LEC appointed members (assuming at least 100 financial members and the LEC held proper meetings in the last 12 months)
3 – Wildcard member elected from the floor of financial Party members from that electorate at the Selection Meeting
4 – Preferential vote for the candidate from the same financial Party members present at the meeting
I’d assume Dunedin South has 100 financial members and so there will be effectively 4 local votes. Watch for the EPMU to make sure that all its members who live in the electorate boundaries are all financial and paid up and are all in attendance at the meeting. They may well enlist the support of other affiliated unions who will do the same thing. This way they can greatly influence categories 3 and 4. If Head Office are instructed to back the EPMU candidate even if DBP has the 2 LEC members sewn up, he still loses.
Watch this space.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
tim barclay said:
He will be deselected though Helen may offer him a way out with some cushy number so as to not create a problem when he is deseleceted.
My guess is, he’ll be appointed Recreational Liaisons Officer in Bangkok
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
This will be a blood-bath. Dunedin South is Labour’s most wealthy LEC. It has significant assets, including DBP’s electorate office, which is leased out to Parliamentary Services. It regularly makes the largest “donations” to the national organisation.
Labour is short of cash. Anything that rocks the boat in Dunedin South, and alienate the local members, will have an impact on its nationwide campaign.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Tane:
I assume the Sub-Standard is crawling with ‘credible’ National Party insiders – because you seem full of ill-informed but quite hilarious expertise about the Tories.
Methinks the usual suspects protest too much, and the rest of us are just going to have to sit back and see just how ugly and public the Dunedin South selection gets. Back in the day, Auckland Central was more fun than a stack of WWF videos if carefully staged bloodletting was your thing.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Finally Roger shows up when the trolls had been hung out to dry and makes Custers last stand.
The Labour Party have been intrinsically linked with the union movement for the express purpose of both promoting the socialism ideology.
Stop trying to Kid yourselves and the rest of us !!
The politburo knows best.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
My mate Irish Bill has another take over here: http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=584
Methinks he might have a better idea of what’s going on than DPF.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Tane – we all know all about your mates over at The Standard – please don’t feel the need to keep telling us!
BTW – “Irish Bill” – with a name like that, he must be a union leader eh!!!
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Please paraphrase or c and p the STANDARD Tane, rather than linking. I won’t go there again for fear of apoplexy.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Is Pryde a local? There is always the chance that DBP will give him a thrashing.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Must be the end of the month and time for visitor numbers to be reported to HQ. Talk about blog pimping – Tane is there any length you will not go to? any depths you will not plumb? any ……..
Vote:Aaaaahhhhh what the hell
October 30th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
What is really amusing is I was due to have coffee today with a Labour MP. I claim no insider status at all (of course), but if Tane wants to think no one from Labour ever chats or talks to me, he is seriously deluded.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Must be “Pick on Tane” Day!! Heck, I could almost feel sorry for him!!
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
David, go back to your shitty half-baked analysis, then talk to me about who’s deluded.
[DPF: Tane will die of shock if he ever discovers a Beehive staffer listed me as their referee to the SIS for their top secret security clearance
]
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
David, I’ve read on blogblog about your vanity posts, but vanity commenting? That’s low even for you David
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Tane:
Aw… why don’t you pop along to the Doctor and get that raw nerve seen to, then a little nap until you get over your wet-nappy tanty. Still, nice to see your mate Irish Bill is a little less coy about the influence the EPMU actually has in Dunedin South, and the Labour Party at large. Congrats on effectively demolishing your own shitty, half-baked grumpy spin!
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Craig, as I said earlier up this thread, of course Labour and the unions work together in areas of common interest. And of course the EPMU’s backing will help Pryde – that’s why he would have asked for it.
My point was that DPF’s half-baked conspiracy theory was precisely that – the idea that the EPMU works as Labour’s proxy and does the party’s dirty work is absurd and shows a stunning lack of understanding about how Labour and the unions work.
[DPF: When it suits them to do so, they do. When it doesn't suit them they don't. What's so mysterious about that?]
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Come on Tane…..
To have a high ranking labour official announce his candidacy to stand against a high profile, long standing incumbant, whose political career is beset by scandal, and to have that announcement come in the form of a EPMU press statement and not the Labour party?
Too convenient, and quite clever. DBP should get the message to sod off, and Labour can say we didn’t tell him to.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
i would have thought that the generally held view was that both parties scratch each others’ backs… politely in public and aggressively in private. there can be no lengths that Labour will go to to secure a saving-of-face and improve re-election chances, so if PSB is a liability enlisting a friendly union to help sounds like the perfect soltion. hardly half-baked at all.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
“Tane will die of shock if he ever discovers a Beehive staffer listed me as their referee to the SIS for their top secret security clearance”
And DPF? I have an old uni friend that works for MFAT who listed me for similar purposes. That doesn’t make an insider of any sort though.
And ok you meet with some labour MPs. Are you meaning to say that they’re retailing a Nat party insider with all sorts of insider secrets? Because that would be a huge betrayal of confidence on their part.
[DPF: Oh of course not. Just as I don't tell them National Party secrets. But if you spend time chatting to people from various parties, conversing with staff, etc etc you pick things up. Also if you yourself have been active at high levels in a party or in Parliament, you know how things get arranged - and these things are universal to all parties/Govts. More useful is talking to journalists and the gallery because they do get to hear a shit load of what is happening - which MP likes which MP, whi is plotting against who, and again if you deal with journos a lot you pick stuff up. Doesn't make you an insider with special knowledge, but it does help your perception of certain incidents].
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Shot Craig!
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
sorry that should have been …
Are you meaning to say that they’re regaling
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
roger, DPF never claimed any insider status. Show where he did. You’re “ripping apart” a strawman. (yes, I succumbed and visited thestandard. Dunno why though, it was crap).
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Tane accusing someone of being in the thrall of a half baked conspiracy theory! Hilarious.
I have often thought that if DPF posted about the weather being fine, Tane would, out of force of habit, comment: “DPF, what’s your game?”
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
KK – bit half-baked to claim that labour asked the Union to do this and that that is the reason why Pryde is seeking the nomination, don’t ya think?? Coz that’s the whole point here, but then I was just talking about you and conspiracy theories on another thread, so hey – at least you’re consistent, if nothing else!
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Heck Tane – you accuse DPF of “half-baked conspiracy theories”, and then refer us to The Standard, which is not only the home of half-baked conspiracy theories – it has made them into an artform! Especially where the evil EB are concerned!! Mate, what have you been smoking?
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Billy said “I have often thought that if DPF posted about the weather being fine, Tane would, out of force of habit, comment: “DPF, what’s your game?”
Good one Billy – either that or he would be saying
“My mate Irish Bill has another take over here: http://www.thestandard.org.nz/not_really_fine_weather_but_dodgy_dealings_by_the-EB
Methinks he might have a better idea of what’s going on than DPF.”
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Or, to borrow a phrase and adapt it from Margaret Thatcher, if Tane saw DPF walk over Wellington Harbour, , he would assert that DPF has a secret agenda to disguise the fact that John Key can’t swim.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
It can be said that if DBP is chosen as candidate, someone can run against him as an indeprendent – thus ensuring he is defeated one way or another. This is not a loss to the Labour caucus given MMP. And if an independent actually wins has advantages. It is such self interest to Labour that will effectively undermine DBP’s candidacy at the selection stage. It is just too difficult for the local party electorate to select DBP and have him elected to parliament.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
The leftys are being real assholes on this thread, what the hell is their problem? Bad mannered, lying, childish pricks.
Vote:It doesn’t help their non-existent credibility one bit. It’s one thing to be constantly wrong, quite another to be an asshole about it. Give it up guys.
October 30th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I cannot believe the antics of the leftys, as don’t they know you can’t defend the indefensible ? The party is over .
The Liarbour Ship of fools is going to the bottom of the ocean because the average kiwi citizen has had enough of all the tomfoolery tactics from a clearly dysfunctional labour government .
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Hold up DPF. Tane said …
“My point was that DPF’s half-baked conspiracy theory was precisely that – the idea that the EPMU works as Labour’s proxy and does the party’s dirty work is absurd and shows a stunning lack of understanding about how Labour and the unions work.”
But then cute little DPF says this.
[DPF: When it suits them to do so, they do. When it doesn’t suit them they don’t. What’s so mysterious about that?]
“the Labour hierarchy often uses the EPMU to say stuff, that they politically don’t want to.”
You say that the Labour party “uses” the EPMU. That’s the dodgy part. All you can prove is that the EPMU is affiliated to the Labour party, and that at times does things which appear benefit the Labour. To claim that the Labour party “uses” the EPMU in any particular occasion is a leap of logic that can’t be substantiated.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Roger says
To claim that the Labour party “uses” the EPMU in any particular occasion is a leap of logic that can’t be substantiated.
What Roger should realise is the very fact that it can’t be substantiated could be the very reason that this has been handled in this manner. However he is right when he asserts that it is a leap of logic.
Logically, Labour can’t pubically cut Benson Pope off after having defended him for so long through many scandals. Pryde “is a longstanding member of the Labour Party and the Dunedin South LEC.” and yet it is as president of the EPMU that he announces his candidacy. If he was to stand as a labour candidate, Labour would have announced it but being in a seat with a long-standing incumbant who has already expressed a desire to run, logically you would expect this to be handled differently.
It remains to be seen if Benson Pope gets the subtle message.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Well, that’s the stick. I think that the Prime Minister should now offer him a carrot – some quango appointment or some directorships.
I think that kind of political patronage is fine, as it recognises the difficult employment situation of ex-MPs. Also, he will have the skills and contacts to do such a job well – better than someone who had not had his political experience.
DBP’s crime is hypocrisy. He has finally paid the price. If he will go gracefully, I see no need to kick a man when he is down (or punch him when he doesn’t expect it). Time for some grace in victory. He is a human being, after all.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
It is a fallacy to say that DBP ever fell from Grace – unfortunately it does not exist within the ranks of a twisted labour party .
Humpty Dumpty fell from the red brick wall – which later blew down in a howling nor wester ? What a great day for New Zealand that will be .
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
“Time for some grace in victory. He is a human being, after all.”
Wise and warm words, milo.
I was just thinking last night that “Shut up Sharon” was the single most effective policy annoucement by the Natural Party of Government since Don Brash left.
But there was also the great victory of the Nats in the Madeleine Satchell affair….we really are concentrated on helping battling New Zealanders
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
“Helen Clark accused the National Party of spreading smears about her to the press gallery. A couple of senior press gallery journalists went on the record denying that this had ever happened. This is unprecedented as far as I can tell.”
Since when was Bridget Saunders a senior press gallery journalist?
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
bizarre, wrong thread.
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Simple solution Helen, send Benso-Pope to London as a slave for Jonathan /unt. Two sick /ucks together.
[DPF: And that's 10 demerit points]
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
What does EPMU stand for anyway? is that an Emu on P?
Vote:October 30th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Classic. Clark’s two pet rotweillers headlining TV1 news tonight, for all the wrong reasons. The long leash she gave them has wrapped itself around her and is tightening.
Vote:Talk about karma
October 31st, 2007 at 6:49 am
“Asked about whether he had discussed supporting Mr Pryde with party president Mike Williams, Mr Little said he had met to talk about the party rejuvenation in general and spoke on the need for new candidates.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10473084
Get a new line to the top, Tane.
Vote:October 31st, 2007 at 7:58 am
Wodger127 said “Get a new line to the top, Tane.”
Don’t you just hate it when Tane gets discredited? Especially when you find something like this on the very same thread!!!
“Tane Says:
October 30th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
IV2, David’s free to comment on whatever he likes. I’m just telling him his insider knowledge of the Labour Party is laughable and he’d be advised to stick to what he knows if he wants to retain any credibility.”
As my old mate, the 12th Man would say (in his very best Bill Lawry voice) – “Gottim, yes, piss off, you’re out!”!!
Vote:November 1st, 2007 at 3:05 am
Tane, you’re embarassing yourself. Everybody knows that DPF is one hell of a well connected mofo. He is privy to stuff you have no clue about.
We all know why the EPMU are going hard for the Dunedin South nomination. Dunedin South is cash and asset rich. Panty Slut boy is privy to information that could damage Labour so he needs to be pushed out now. Pryde has stated he wants a messy fight if it means to win the nomination.
Are you the same Tane who got spanked on my blog a few months ago for stating that the Unions “never-never ever” used their Government funding to promote Labour? We wondered why you snivelled off without even a whimper.
Vote: