The Mallard Affair
Boy did I pick a bad time to lose my power supply. Even wrose it arrived by courier today, and seems to have been damaged in transit. So my laptop is still dead. Am going to try and get a cord for it tomorrow but not sure chances of an HP laptop power cord is great in Dunedin. It is possible I will be powerless until Monday, so blogging may be near zero, except for cyber cafe visits such as this one (McCafe in George Street).
Anyway onto Trevor. I’m sure everyone has read the headlines. The real question now is what will Helen Clark do. And to answer that, we should ask this question.
What would Helen Clark be saying if a National MP had punched in the face/head a Labour MP?
I think we could all imagine.
What is surprisingly is how fragile Mallard is. It is a classic case of being able to dish it out, but not take it. I don’t know exactly what Tau Henare said but I think everyone understands it was very similar to what Trevor Mallard said when he taunted Don Brash about Diane Foreman. And here’s the moral of the story. If Mallard had never broken the “rules” and said what he said about Brash, I am almost certain he would not have had similar stuff said to him. But if you break the “rules” yourself, you can’t expect to suddenly be protected by them.
The timing with the reshuffle is bad for Mallard. Generally reshuffles get positive news for a Government. Fresh blood etc. But now the focus will partly be on what happens to Trevor. And if she doesn’t demote him (at a minimum) then the media focus will be on her lack of standards, and a good news story becomes a bad news story.
The significance of what has happened is quite profound though. And again by coincidence of timing.
In just one week Phil Goff has gone from being an outside chance of the next Labour Leader, to the near undisputed Leader in Waiting.
Maharey, Mallard and Goff have always been the three heavyweight contenders. Other possibilities like Gosche and Benson-Pope have fallen by the wayside. And others like Jones are far too new. So amazingly in one week Maharey is out, and so effectively is Mallard. Phil Goff can’t believe his luck. And even better for Goff he genuinely had nothing to do with it.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
happy, happy I am to be the first to comment here and say I told you.
I have been saying for ages Goff will be the next Labour leader, but in opposition.
Have explained in detail already so hurrrying to be first in !!
October 25th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Somewhere, right now, Don Brash is laughing.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Somewhere, right now,
Don BrashTrevor Mallard, is probably shagging someones wife[DPF: Heh the editing was done by me]
October 25th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
She has been right to be cautious with her reshuffles. Opposition is the time to sort out the wheat from the straw. But a Government does get a jaded look about it. Just when things start perking along something turns up to take away all the good news. On Mallard she would be wise to leak out her decision on him in advance so that does not dominate the announcement on the reshuffle – if she intends to demote him. On that I do not think she will do much, except make a symbolic thing like take away the Sport Ministry. The stadium fiasco probably finished Mallard in the portfolio anyway. I suspect Cullen will get the Rugby World cup job to sort that out – or Goff – as an Auckland MP. Yes let us see how good Goff is at something really hard. Sort out Eden Park.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
What is Goff like when it comes to rallying the troops, I doubt he has the cunning or the venom of the Dear Leader. Will H2 still be around to tell him how to run the country?. Liarbore appear to be in meltdown, with what little talent they have left I would think they would struggle in an election campiagn.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
The Natural Party of Opposition Says: Somewhere, right now, Don Brash is probably shagging someones wife.
Brilliant post dullard. Bet it took all of your socialist brainpower (???) to dream that one up.
So now you are reduced to that. Makes you feel good does it?
The once proud Labour Party reduced to that.
sad and sick
October 25th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
oh someone hit a nerve
October 25th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
“Yes let us see how good Goff is at something really hard. Sort out Eden Park.”
Outstanding comment and 100% on the nail.
Unfortunately with such a short time till the next elections, don’t expect thumbs out of rear ends any time soon.
Goff or who ever else is responsible for the world cup venue will dilly dally
at an unbielevable slow rate of knots going into the new year. Don’t expect to see any new initiatives after December except to find the announcements of the EFB and terroism acts bought to the light of day that Tame Iti may well not.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Don’t forget: Damian O’Connor is also due for a reckoning over the conflict of interest fiasco on the Parliamentary rugby team tour.
Funnily enough, all this could be good for Labour. They are being forced in the direction of a genuine rejuvenation, and most of those behind the bad blood of last year are on the way out. This could work well for them in a election year. Especially if any criticism is suppressed by legislation.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Milo: You are right. The problem Labour has had is the front bench has looked the exact same almost for eight years. Changing the 2nd tier doesn’t impact with the public so much.
Maharey’s retirement, BP gone and a possible demotion for Mallard gives Clark a real opportunity to have a fresh new look.
O’Connor’s bigger problem will be when the Taito Field trial starts.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
“Somewhere, right now, (Don Brash) Trevor Mallard, is probably shagging someones wife
[DPF: Heh the editing was done by me]”
there you go every one,, stay above this child like simplicity and you too can become a recognised blogger and the thorn to the socialists sides.
And believe me, there was a time I would never believe I would make that statement!
October 25th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Mallard said punching Henare was the stupidest thing he had ever done in his life…bit of a worry, when you you think of all the other dumb things he has done. J
October 25th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Taking bets now……
I absolutely guarantee this is what will happen.
Trevor “fists of fury” Mallard will be demoted in a show of schoolmarmish discipline by the BEAST.
He will suck lemons publicly but laugh his head off privately.
Why will he be laughing I ask you all say?
This suckhole, the BEASTS self appointed pit bull, the one who has been her goto man when filth and vileness has been needed will have more time to tomcat around town whilst keeping all the CASH he currently enjoys with less responsibility and effort.
THE ENTIRE CABINET ARE ENEMIES OF THE STATE.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Ross,
“Brilliant post dullard. Bet it took all of your socialist brainpower (???) to dream that one up.”
Lighten up Ross
It was funny and no way impinged on the Good name of Don (Juan) Brash
And DPF, thanx
[DPF: Heh TNPOO I think you are so funny I would like to consult you when I want to write something humorous ]
October 25th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
No problem David
October 25th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Well at least Don (or Trevor for that matter) aren’t shagging someones husband!
October 25th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
No T R is doing that
October 25th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
yes, one would have difficulty sinking a page of A4 in the Labour talent pool
October 25th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Hmm, I wonder why Don ,the killer ,Brash
did not thump Mallard.
October 25th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I saw Helen today at the official opening of the new hub at Hamiltons Wintec today. She arrived in her two car retinue an hour after the king.
she looked the picture of grace and feminine decorum and very pleasant to behold. Her features actually looked well scrubbed up even eliciting a positive comment from my young colleague that an over hearer chuckled to.
though she grinned more than smiled. obviously has a hang up about those teeth these days. But over all 9/10 for an effectively simple presentation
October 25th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
I think they are going to struggle in an Election campaign too
They will be lucky if they get 37.5% Which I suppose can only be good for the Greens.
Still looking good for a L:G:M and Jim Government
October 25th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
hinamanu
What did you expect ? Cinderella !!!
October 25th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Don’t write off Anette King as a future leader of labour. this is nothing but good news to National.
October 25th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
I find it appalling that Mallard would do something so dumb, but assault is a dismissible offense in employment law whether it goes to the police or not. The fact of whether Tau deserved it or not is irrelevant.
With the constant barrage of ads on TV about violence on TV, the amount of attention the Government has given on this type of behaviour “it is not OK” I don’t believe that the PM can ignore the crime.
Also with the Maori already up in arms about the way the Government is treating them, sending in the storm troopers and all, bashing another one cannot go down well.
I wonder if another protest can be rallied in Wellington to protest the inconstant way the Government treats the Maori parliamentarians?
Trevor has stepped over the line and needs to go. The spin cannot get him out of this one.
October 25th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
hinamanu – Helen is all about window dressing, playing up for the audience. And she’s very very good at it. However scratch the surface and I believe one finds a person with few morals, fewer ethics and no end of tricks designed to give her a continued platform for the melogamania life-story. Is she a clever leader? Hell yes! Is she a good leader. Absolutely not!
October 25th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
another poster made the point that if an employee assaulted another then their job would probably be on the line. a second assault (this is mallards second!) must make sacking mandatory.
if it’s right and proper for state or private employers to be tasked with such an obligation then why isn’t parliamentary duck shooting season open?
October 25th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
yea, yea, guys,
Naieve as,, but first time real life and all that
Looked far better in real life,,
I mean, come on guys, breath easy, I’m not gonna vote for her
Reformed socialist, hand on heart!
October 25th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
hinamanu – reformed socialist. that’s gotta be an oxymoron. surely…?
October 25th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
“if it’s right and proper for state or private employers to be tasked with such an obligation then why isn’t parliamentary duck shooting season open?”
ask Rodney,,
as much as I like the guy, he doesn’t push for more parliamentary accountability on personal levels.
October 25th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
ok kk,,
repentent socialist,, that sound better
sheesh,, ex socialist in any form sounds good doesn’t it,,
ok, just for you kk,,
confirmed capitilist,,
does it need to be spelt out clearer?
October 25th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
However scratch the surface and I believe one finds a person with few morals, fewer ethics
Why do you lot Hate Helen so much I get the feeling that it is simply misogyny
A highly successful woman who has stood between you and power for 8 long years. Get over it
Dig Deep from all that “talent’ you have in The Nats get yourself a decent leader with a modicum of political nonce and deal to her. Simple
PS :She had enough morals not to commit our troops to the front line in Iraq
October 25th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
“And if she doesn’t demote him (at a minimum) then the media focus will be on her lack of standards”
You may well be right, but how could anyone be certain of that?
October 25th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Isn’t it just a tad over-dramatic to be comparing Trevor vs Tau with, say, domestic violence? Or workplace bullying? There’s a power imbalance – not to mention often a physical imbalance – in those sorts of situations which is hardly the case here. This is two grown men who lost their cool. One apologised. The other – to his infinite credit – seems to have gracefully accepted.
Frankly, they can go after each other like Wile E Coyote and Road Runner, complete with barrels of TNT, for all I care provided they keep their hands off my civil liberties. But of course while we’re all tut-tutting about a bit of biffo our eye is off the ball – the ball in this case being the EFB and goodness knows what other erosions of personal freedoms they’re planning (cf my General Debate post of legalised, warrantless police spying in NSW, complete with spraying people with radioactive isotopes so they can be tracked.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
I think that might be political nous NPOO… unless you’re suggesting there are worse perversions than Panty Slut Boy’s hidden in the House?
October 25th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
“PS :She had enough morals not to commit our troops to the front line in Iraq.”
Uggghhhhhhhh
think,think,think,
according to dear leader, if Gore had of won the US elections, the US would not have gone to Iraq.
She is anti Bush and anti American.
anti captalism, and just plain anti
there were no standards. she is communist!
We need a capatilist govt, and a male one would be better.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
NPO, nothing to do with gender at all.
My gripe is that people assume the Helen is a good leader because she’s been in power for 8 years. I don’t agree. For me there’s a huge delta between being good and being successful. As i said, i think she’s very successful, but not good because she lacks morals and has abused the power of office. That abuse is nothing to do with left vs right, it’s a simple fact that some people lust after power and will use small amounts of it to secure larger amounts. Let’s not start with a litany of her abuse of power transgressions… because it’s huge.
The general distain that many NZers reserve for politicians is the reason that the political gene pool is being depleted and our leaders are being dummed down to just those that are the most cunning political survivors – hardly are recipe for good governance and keeping the big picture – NZ’s future – at the front of mind.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Would the Maori Party vote for a motion of Confidence in a party that keeps an expert Maori Basher in a senior position?
What is the name of the parliamentary thug who voted for the Anti Smacking bill?
October 25th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
I suppose those arguing for some Maori Party reaction to this, also believe a recent police action was about targeting Maori also? Or then maybe not.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
“She is anti Bush and anti American.”
Bush is anti-American Hinemanu: surprised, amazed, flabbergasted you [and some others] haven’t worked that out, years ago.
Back on thread, how come a 53-year-old intelligent man used to verbal jousting can’t hold his fists? And what’s the law on battery committed in the House lobby, even if the batteree doesn’t want to take it further?
October 25th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
“NPO, nothing to do with gender at all.”
Was gonna say something bout that, then I thought of right wing Shipley who actually asked Helen to join forces.
Helen’s her own man and pure commy.
Only a woman would think of merging capatilism with communism
How can a house stand if its divided ??
October 25th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
cheers rex
October 25th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
The reason for Tau’s benevolence is his preference for a future in Cabinet himself. The timing is all his party needed from this matter. That delivered, continuing on with would have been at his expense.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
“Bush is anti-American Hinemanu: surprised, amazed, flabbergasted you.”
No, actually, you haven’t. All this I know
It was the poster I was advising who didn’t.
scroll up, read slowly, engage brain, post cautiously.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Tau Henare…what a girly man.
Anyway you should be grateful to Mallard from delivering from you from the dead Albatross around the neck that was Don Brash.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Tau should have ducked when he saw Mallard coming.
If that pun hasnt been done to death over Trev’s illustrious career.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
hinamanu
You have no trouble voting for Tau, my
uncle was the 28 th commander , Henare?
Think about it, Henare has had his nose in
the taxpayer trough often, even when out
of parliament.
You would call him a capitilist, has he
ever been in involved in a business that
does not involve taxpayer funds?
You have no problem with the Nats putting the kiwi/iwi billboards back up?
So what is a capatilist?
October 25th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Here it is from the ducks beak so to speak [I like that] the quacker has been paddling with old “thunder thighs” could be a case of trying to keep up with the Jones`s. Work that one out hinamanu.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
This is a bit worse that I thought. TV One news describes three punches, and then that Mallard was choking Henare on the ground and had to be pulled off.
So this wasn’t just a desire to whack somebody. It was an uncontrolled desire to pound him and beat him. God know’s where it would have stopped if there hadn’t been any intervention. The Prime Minister needs to take this very seriously indeed. It wasn’t a moment of irriation and a single punch. It was clearly uncontrolled and dangeous rage.
She also needs to stop provoking Henare by somehow suggesting that he was equally to blame. Margaret Wilson’s performance was similarly appalling.
If the Speaker and the Prime Minister continue to blame Henare as well as Mallard, the best thing would be to refer it to the police, and let them sort out the facts of the matter.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
grumpyoldhori,,
first and foremost, I am not a national supporter,,
therefore I have not voted for Tau. But I do enjoy seeing Maori across the political spectrum. Hopefully they’re role models to give Maori wider political scope.
I believe we need small business growth and self sufficiency that can only thrive through capatalistic endeavour, not socialist repression.
I don’t believe National or labour represent those ideals and I have no idea what ACT stands for though I respect Rodney and his colleagues I have listened too.
Capatilism to me is to allow the market to flourish with the least political interference which of course is a pipe dream so we have to live with second best in real terms.
Unfortunately those real terms have proved to be economic repression through govt intolerance of business big and small. This of course impacts the middle class and dwindles it until society is divided between two extremes. Both Political parties are guilty of this collusion in diluting the middle classes.
I am just not fluent in the deeper principals and mechanics of the political process as others posters here. Hope my answer showed respect to your question.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Kehua – had any speeding tickets lately
October 25th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
“Here it is from the ducks beak so to speak [I like that] the quacker has been paddling with old “thunder thighs” could be a case of trying to keep up with the Jones`s. Work that one out hinamanu.”
Henare thinks he is the Jonses and Trev resented Maori boy for the arrogance and showed him white boy is even more arrogant and far more forcibly than nessecary by all accounts.
Lots of repressed anger coming out from the duck who’s showing his resentment at all the shot fired at him (in his own mind.)
Hows that for an interpretation kehua the kryptic man.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Hinamanu, Your comments strike me as a clear and worthy statement that shows common sense and sensitivity.
You certainly earn my respect and I look forward to reading your future comments with interest.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Domestic violence, yes. Workplace bullying? Not so much – I’ve talked to a fair number of Parliamentary staffers over the years (well off the record), who thought your former boss would have been vastly improved by a good kicking. Sadly, perhaps, they decided keeping their jobs and avoiding a rap sheet was rather more important.
And believe you me, I’ve worked in a few places where a couple of utter cocks in senior management had a pretty toxic effect on morale and productivity down the line. Perhaps the same ‘fish rotting from the head down’ effect we’re seeing in certain other state agencies such as Corrections and Immigration?
As I’m pointing out in my Public Address piece this week, it’s a wee bit ironic that this biffo took place during the second reading debate on the Terrorism Suppression Amendment Bill, and what interesting reading John Armstrong’s sketch made this morning…
(Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10471947)
Can’t imagine any Labour MP would have any issues with those sentiments either.
But when it comes to MPs brawling like fucktards in the House, I guess its a case of do what I say, don’t say what I do – ay, chaps?
October 25th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
The PM was critical of Mallard for his comments re Brash – so don’t expect her to remain silent on Tau’s Henare’s “response”.
As to the matter’s detail – some reports suggest Tau Henare tried to grab Mallard in the struggle (as one would to stop any further blows) and then they went to the floor.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
SPC: Yes, Tau Henare grabbed Trevor Mallard’s throat after being punched. No idea what he should have done.
The perception over this side of the fence is that the PM has tacitly approved a whole range of personal attacks and hate speech, including Trevor’s. This is reinforced by her own efforts (such as Cancerous and Corrosive) and by her failure to do anything about offernders on her side. I acknowledge that this might not actually be true – but we don’t have any actual evidence that she has done anything effective to stop it.
More generally, the perception is that Labour have happily thrown out conventions and ethics in the quest for power. They may now be discovering that moral rules exist for a good purpose – because if you don’t follow them, things don’t work out so well in the long run.
I really think Labour needs a fresh approach.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Lets not go into the realm of speculation – not in the matter of the police action or in the matter of why people say what they say (it’s all too believable – but possibly quite untrue to suggest Tau was acting for others).
October 25th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Certainly I can only agree regarding the election in 2005 and the fiasco of the campaign finance reform …
But while there is no transparency in financing and no discovery of measures used overseas to make campaign financing more reflective of democratic principles … all parties are tainted by the process.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
“it’s all to believable” Heh. Like some think that it is all too believable that Helen ordered the police to make raids in the Urewera’s to distract political attention? Go with the cock-up theory long before the conspiracy theory.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:13 am
These groups were naieve enough to think they could go for years and the govt didn’t know about them,, they were tolerated until it was politically expedient to expose them. The EFB is that catalyst.
we have one of the worlds most highly successful police forces in arrest rates. This is concerning fabricated and sincere cases.
The standard of the NZ police cannot be underestimated.
If there are terroists in this country they will be monitored until the govt wants arrests. There is no such thing as covert secrecy in this country.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:27 am
IF it is found that the police action was illfounded – then the cock up theory number one will be that there is institutional bias against “political activists on the left” which misled police. Possibly a bit like finding WMD because one wanted to. But it’s far too early to say – which is why those protesting this weekend should be defending right of free speech and political protest activism without reference to this case itself.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:42 am
Oh my god. How sad is that. Mallard has turned into a girly man if he is going to apologise for giving somebody a wack.
All the grovelling he is doing is making it worse. He hit Tau, so what. Politicians around the world give each other thrashings all the time.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:05 am
This is the first Kiwiblog thread in MONTHS where (in alphabetical order) Phillip John/Roger Nome, Sam Dixon, Tane and TomS have NOTHING to say (only Charlie Tan has spoken up). What a striking coincidence. And what a deafening silence. Could we have some more bad publicity stories for Labour please?
October 26th, 2007 at 2:45 am
Oh goodness – one glaring omission from my list: Sonic.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:21 am
Cheer up POC. I can give you Sam Dixon’s take
“Their private lives don’t matter unless they run on them – eg Don Brash’s ‘honest don’ angle, that’s why the affair mattered and utlimately broke him – all the time he was tlaking about his wife from Singapore he was cheating on her with a business woman who was also a National party funding coordinator, and his secretary. when that came public he had no crediblity left.
Now, a number of MPs have had illicit trists over the years and you’re bound to have heard the rumours of who likes the rent boys, whose been cheating on their wives etc – that’s not relevant and shouldn’t be part of the political discourse unless their politics exposes them to the charge of hypocrisy as it did with the Don.
And fair enough the same standard should apply to lying(sic) off Nick Smith’s mental problems – unless they impact on his ability to function at times – which they seem to some times. have you heard his interjections in the House? bizaare stuff at times.”
I can just hear the compassion.
Was the secretary the one who leaked those emails?
October 26th, 2007 at 3:59 am
Thanks NPofG.
At first I was puzzled about why you might be Sam’s mouthpiece – but I see you’ve visited The Standard for a Labour-friendly perspective. Which begs the question why Sam felt able to express his views there but not here. Could you check with Sam (seeing as he’s not talking) and get back to us?
Sam’s position is confused. He seems to be saying that Don Brash put himself out there as “Honest Don”. Sorry, Sam, but I think the way Labour targeted him over his affair was despicable. Trevor Mallard’s “Talking about affairs” comment was clearly primed and ready to go – he interrupted Don Brash mid-question.
And then Sam seems to say that Nick Smith should be given some slack. Yes, he should. George Hawkins falls into the same category. I think we could get past David Benson-Pope’s twitching problem – if only he could stay out of the limelight.
Part of living in a representative democracy (that is, a diverse Parliament) is we get to see the spicey and saucy flavours of life. And I thought we had a public understanding – of sorts – over when MPs’ personal affairs (relationships, family matters etc) should pass into the public domain. Clearly, we have some way to go.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:15 am
What broke mallards marrige up, was it the new women, some info if possible ,30year marrage breakup , then suddenly a new lady. Sttrange,
October 26th, 2007 at 6:03 am
Dad4Justice, I believe your one week ban expired yesterday so it’s safe to post under your usual alias.
rakaunui(moderation): Threadjack! and ad hominem.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:36 am
“I can just hear the compassion.” Compassion… my backside.
Bovver-boy Mallard deserves every bit of his predicament. Enjoy!
October 26th, 2007 at 6:37 am
Milo
“More generally, the perception is that Labour have happily thrown out conventions and ethics in the quest for power. They may now be discovering that moral rules exist for a good purpose – because if you don’t follow them, things don’t work out so well in the long run.”
You are absolutely right. It often takes a little while before the affects of removing morals are noticed. I suspect that Labour may now be realising however that their desertion of foundation principles of Labour are going to be their undoing.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:05 am
Regardless of who is reshuffled there is always one constant – which the public must be tiring of – and that is Clark herself. Her ‘branding’ is so strong that it is is impossible to see Labour as anything but her.
The growing perception must be that given she would want to ‘move on’ after the election, whoever votes for her, will, by proxy, be voting an untried and under-achieving minion into the prime post.
Goff for PM? Yeah right!
October 26th, 2007 at 7:17 am
Really the Duck has to go – not just from cabinet but from parliament – If labour doesnt do that then they really have lost the plot. After all the section 59 goings on and their costly antiviolence efforts the idiot has blown it all. Hes also done the rugby world cup programme no favours (although in the long term its a blessing in disguise as he is a bit of brain challenged operator)
However for national it would be best of he stayed in the house – out of cabinet but in the house. That way hes always there to use. Like when ever Cullen gets a case of uncontrollable fury, all National need to do is ask “and are you going toget Trevour onto this to sort it out?”
October 26th, 2007 at 7:47 am
What disappoints me is that Tau Henare said anything at all. I would rather let Labour dig in the dirt while National rises above mudslinging. We all know the snide remarks made to Nick Smith over his medical problems while National left Mark Peck alone. The public would notice the difference ion behaviour which wouldn’t hurt National.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Bad behaviour all round. Firstly for Tau egging Mallard on (even though Mallard had done that with Brash); then for Mallard suggesting he ’step outside’; then for Tau agreeing to ’step outside’; then for Mallard decking him.
Interesting locked down footage on TVOne news last night showing the comings and goings in the house around the incident.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Just wondering where the threshold is for instant dismissal from Labour – what if Trev had pulled a knife that he just carries for personal protection from Brashites for example ? Would personal grief still be a mitigating factor Aunty Helen ? Labour have dug the hole and one by one they are tumbling in – just loving the spectacle. Will Helen do as badly as English did or worse at the next election ? Lots to ponder these days.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
rakaunui(moderation): Threadjack! and ad hominem.
For crying out loud. Sorry, that’s no ad hominem, I was actually trying to be helpful to D4J. It was a short, snappy comment. And if you’re going to call that as a threadjack, then at least be consistent and pick up everyone else.
rakaunui(moderation) : Mrs Disgusted / Peak Oil Conspiracy, Ok, fair enough.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
“For crying out loud.”
Fucken pitiful ain’t it?? Saps.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Apparently the marriage expired some 3 months ago, and old thunder thighs was not involved in this but rowed in later, probably post stadium cockup, historically this leads to much extra curriculum recreation. When this is followed by a couple of weeks swanning around Europe one can kind of be in a euphoric state of mind. Imagine what happens when you get back to dirty old Wellingtown and a southerly. Easy to see how cold turkey turns into dead duck. Get rid of him and also those around him who watched it happen.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
How about the latest move from the 9th floor. Get the Duck off the front page[ like that one too] charge Rickards.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
“dish it out, but not take it”
The difference is that Mallard never tired to moralise to the people, and claim the ‘hollier than thou’ role. Marriages may be one thing, but recently deceased parents I thought would have been way out of bounds.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
You will have noticed Tariana Turia in today’s little whinge about the police taking action against Mallard and their response – “However, a police national headquarters spokesman today told NZPA that police would be extremely unlikely to investigate the incident without a complaint and to his knowledge Wellington police, who would be responsible, had not received one.
Tonight’s TV illustrated the Police’s Double Standards. Re the assault – Police made it clear that the complaint lodged by one of Mallard’s constituents would not receive any attention as the complaint had to be lodged by Tau Henare.
So where does Helen Clark stand in view of her statement: ““It is the responsibility of every citizen to report wrong doing to the appropriate authorities and it will be investigated”?
So Police don’t consider punch ups as wrong doing, if complained of by uninvolved people.. Her police force condones violence, unless the victim lodges the complaint itself. Ditto, unless a child lodges a complaint of assault, the police will do nothing to uphold the anti smacking bill? I Think Broad owes us an explanation?
October 26th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Speaking of affairs, if she didn`t wreck his relationship did he wreck hers.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
People may report it (but in this case were not there are and not even witnesses to the matter), but without a complaint from the victim of the crime the police have other priorities.
October 27th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Do you halfwits still think im D4J, were you in the bog ,when they were handing out brains, again d4j, sorry for having your good name besmirched, John is my name, sigh
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