The Press on Rodney
The Press is impressed with Rodney:
It is now obvious that New Zealand First has no intention of publicly accounting for its secret funding and that, of the other parties, only ACT is willing to press the issue. …
Winston Peters had the perfect opportunity to retrieve something from the ashes when he made a statement to Parliament on Wednesday. Under standing orders he was entitled to be heard in silence and not questioned, but he squandered that opportunity by failing to clarify the issues or answer the serious questions. Instead, Peters made a rambling and confusing attack on the media, his political opponents, and shadowy evil forces he alleged were out to get him. …
Labour does not want to drive New Zealand First to the wall at this time when that would scupper the Government and perhaps prevent the re-establishment of the coalition after the election; National is keen to maintain good relations with NZF in the expectation that the Center-Right (which includes NZF) will emerge from the poll best placed to form a government. They are both praying that the electorate will eventually solve the Winston problem and remove the troublesome politician from their concerns.
The improbable figure of Rodney Hide arises from this wasteland of principle to carry the fight against NZF and its failure to account. His request to the Serious Fraud Office for an investigation takes the issue out of the hands of the politicians and places it in the hands of an independent organisation with considerable powers. The SFO can require that evidence be produced, and it is outside the authority of the Attorney-General.
If the SFO does investigate the NZF donations, the result will be the thorough scrutiny that the issues need if the political process is to escape the charge that it shelters unethical and perhaps illegal practices.
Hide, of course, has more than just a principled interest in this business, as the unedifying abuse between him and Peters in the House last week showed. But Hide has plainly enunciated the principles involved, the justified annoyance at their possible disregard, and has made the only significant effort to have them vindicated.
If he succeeds, and Peters is forced to face the consequences of his actions, no sympathy need be expended. Peters in this scandal has confirmed his reputation as the most cynical of New Zealand politicians, a harmful influence on the nation’s public life and an unfit participant in government.
It will be delicious if the outcome of Peters’ refusal to answer the most basic questions on this issue is a boost for Rodney Hide and ACT, and oblivion for Peters!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:37 am
hmmm. Not sure the SFO can convict on ethical issues. If they come back with the reply that there is nothing illegal to investigate, will it be called a whitewash or coverup – a big socialist conspiracy?
I’m curious as to whether there is truely any illegality and involving the SFO will also expose the weak arguments of the media so far. As well as that, if there is found to be illegal behaviour the way is open for similar investigations of all political parties and a final condemnation of the EFA that was constructed (at least in word, if not intent) to stop these kind of things.
Everyone stands to lose if this investigation goes ahead, even Rodney, which highlights it as a possibly worthwhile undertaking.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:40 am
“…this scandal has confirmed his reputation as the most cynical of New Zealand politicians, a harmful influence on the nation’s public life and an unfit participant in government.”
Kind of disregards the complicity of the government and the opposition.
Perhaps the caveat [who, with the tacit allowance by the the present coalition, and her majesty's opposition, is]
Because, goodgod, regardless of the merits of peter’s case, no one appears willing to actually get to the truth, because they fear it may harm them. Therefore, they are all guilty to some degree, for this fiasco.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:49 am
And where is your man Key on this David?
Power over principle.
Is only attraction remains that he isn’t Helen Clark. While considerable it isn’t a good reason to vote for him. Just another one to vate against Clark.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Any ground gained by ACT at the expense of anyone, is going to be good for the country. I hope John Key’s hesitation over attacking Winnie, is based on deeper tactical cunning rather than the expedience that it might look like at first sight.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:02 am
“..# PhilBest (2083) Add karma Subtract karma +0 Says:
August 4th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Any ground gained by ACT at the expense of anyone, is going to be good for the country. I hope John Key’s hesitation over attacking Winnie, is based on deeper tactical cunning rather than the expedience that it might look like at first sight…”
‘hope’ springs eternal..there..
eh phil-the-inferior..?
and..um..!..there is no ‘deeper tactical cunning’..eh..?
what you see..is what you get..
and after your upcoming poll-wallop..
..’hope’ could be all you have left..
..eh.?
“..feel the burn..!..”
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 4th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Yes Phil some higher strategy could be in place here. With Winston gone, NZ First leadership will fall to someone just a wee bit more coherent, and an alliance with National will be a good thing. There’s only one NZ First MP that stands out and thats Ron Marks.
By the way my Mother in Tauranga was/is a Winston voter (twice she’s voted for him)- she’s really dissapointed with what’s hapenning and now states that she doesn’t trust him. So if Winnie stands in Tauranga he should be prepared for a large hiding as the grey hair brigade swing away from him. Oh and she said that the new National candidate (don’t know his name) replacing Bob looks cute – so it may be a beauty contest after all!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Quick phool attack John Key!!!!
As Dr Phil would say, hows that working out for you?
If you commies don’t stop flooging that dead horse we’re going to think you’re all sadomasochistic necrophiliacs. Stupid ones.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Marray
You mean they’re not?!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:47 am
the Press are hoping for a miracle if they think the SFO is independent. Its about as independent from the 9th floor as the Unions are. Given the SFOs pending demise due to it trying to be independent and soon to be in the safe hands of Howie the PMs favourite Commissioner we can safely concur that no action will be taken.
Liugi escapes justice yet again
August 4th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
philu says:
Much as it may surprise the both of us, I’m in complete agreement. Unless I’m missing something I can imagine no tactical reason (other than being willing to approach him on bended knee post-election if he scrapes over 5%) why Key would not be turning both barrels on Winston. Expediency and the pursuit of power at any price does seem to be driving National.
LC says:
Excuse me?! You think this man “stands out” in some way? If you mean by being a hypocrite and a coward along with the myriad of adjectives one could apply to his leader and the rest of the goon squad, you’re right. Otherwise, I’d be interested to know just what your standards are for those in public life?
August 4th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
aahh..!!..ron mark..!
..the mp most likely to be a reptile-shapeshifter..
..his fey/foppish/pretentious ways..
..his very very high degree of self-regard..
..the way he leans into camera..
..invariably smirking in delight at himself..
..did i mention he loves himself just a bit too much..?
(and for what reason..?..
yahafta ask..
yes..make him leader of new zealand first..!
..that’d be ‘brilliant!’..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 4th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I am one of those who has been very impressed by Rodney Hide’s actions here. It’s a pity National have let Winston off the hook, seemingly only because they may need him in coalition. That is politics at it’s worst. Good on you Rodney for being absolutely on the principled side of this one.
August 4th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Yes PhilBest – Agree
I am impressed with Rodney Hide- am I think he will do very well for ACT and help National with a centre right counterbalance.
and Vinick agree absolutely I cannot see what Winston will ever do for National now. He’s damaged goods and they need to completely exorcise the rabid frothmonger and mirror worshipper that he is.
As for Ron Mark – he looks and acts like a rodent!!
August 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Ron Mark may indeed resemble a “rodent”, but I still reckon that he was the only Winston Firster who might have been salvagable; had he been bright enough to abandon the sinking ship.
August 4th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
philu (2609) Add karma Subtract karma –4 Says:
August 4th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
“ahh..!!..ron mark..!
..the mp most likely to be a reptile-shapeshifter..
..his fey/foppish/pretentious ways..
..his very very high degree of self-regard..
..the way he leans into camera..
..invariably smirking in delight at himself..”
And if we were to put up a challenge of “Philu” versus Ron Mark around a Commando training assault course, I know who MY money would be on………..
August 4th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Mara – I used to have a reasonably high opinion of Ron Mark – until his performance last week over Peters’s so-called “allegations” against Rex Widestrom, when any respect I had for his abilities went out the window.
August 4th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
nyah nyay phil, you aren’t a COMMANDO!
August 4th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
*nyah nyah
August 4th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I2. Likewise.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:35 am
Rodney Hide is a top man for the job of leading ACT to victory in the forthcoming election. While there is no true upper limit to what ACT can achieve at the polls a performance of 6-10% would be just what the country needed. With Roger Douglas as the countries new Finance Minister, the current recession can be quickly dealt with.
Roger Douglas could also show John Key a trick or two regarding WFF. Not sure how happy “Labour Plus” voters would be mind.