McCarten on Key and Goff
October 25th, 2009 at 12:00 pm by David FarrarMatt McCarten writes:
I attended the Council of Trade Unions biennial conference in Wellington this week. It was the first time in a decade that trade union barons turned up when Labour wasn’t in power. …
Key finished his speech, bravely took questions from the floor and good-humouredly responded to all attacks.
I can’t recall how often PMs Bolger or Shipley addressed the CTU Conference, but it wasn’t that regular and I’m not sure they ever agreed to have an open mike at the end of the speech. And it has become quite a hallmark of Key that he will take questions, even from the most hostile audience. Long may it last.
When one union, aligned strongly with the Labour Party, blamed him for its current pay problems he reminded them he’d been the Prime Minister for a year during a recession whereas Labour had governed for the past nine years when there were surpluses.
Key cheerfully suggested that maybe the blame for their low wages was best directed to the Labour Party. That shut them up.
Heh.
It was my first opportunity to assess both Key and Goff as presenters and leaders. Key was at the top of his game – warm, respectful, self-assured.
He exuded confidence and sometimes even bordered on belligerence. When union boss Andrew Little queried the Government’s intention over ACC Key dodged the question.
Instead, he jabbed a cheap shot at Little, who is also the Labour Party president, referring to him as the next leader of that party.
Probably was a cheap shot, but some shots are too tempting to pass up!
But his flippant dismissiveness aside, his support for low-paid workers seems heartfelt and genuine. Key isn’t a great political orator but came across as decent and likable. Only a fool would believe Key can be taken out by Goff any time soon.
And this is from the leader of NZ’s most militant union!
Goff is a polished performer and his speech the following day pushed all the right buttons for his audience. He is a man under pressure but he’s a pro from way back.
However, I couldn’t help feeling Goff’s delivery was a campaign stump speech written by one of his staff. Unlike Key, it felt that he was talking at the audience rather than to it.
It is an interesting observation from Matt, as I had much the same reaction when they both spoke at the Family First organised Forum on the Family. Goff was very good, very professional and performed well. But Key, especially in the Q&A, can connect with the audience in a way Goff can’t.
Trevor Mallard was a distraction sitting behind Goff all through his speech, visibly chewing gum like some sort of goon from central casting.
Maybe Labour’s image consultants could have a word with their in-house gangster next time he accompanies his new leader.
Sounds like a bit of bad blood there, which is interesting as if Labour wins, Trevor will probably be Minister of Labour.
Tags: CTU, John Key, Matt McCarten, Phil Goff
October 25th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
David Farrar said “if Labour wins”
LOL, Gaffa tape my sides!
You’ve got to pity Andrew Little if, as McCartens jibes suggest, the degree of acrimony in the Labour party is such that every one hates everyone. No wonder he is trying to keep his hands off the chalice!
Vote:October 25th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
“…which is interesting as if Labour wins, Trevor will probably be Minister of Labour.”
Don’t be silly. Mallard will be long dead.
Vote:October 25th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
You’d be foolish to count Mallard out of politics- he’s a Wellingtonian and a Politician, what else is he going to do with his time, enjoy the weather?
Vote:October 25th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
The goon from central casting…Ouch…I like it!
Vote:October 25th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
If McCarten feels comfortable enough to write a puff piece about Neville Key then you know the National party has turned socialist.
Vote:October 25th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
At some stage Key is going to have to cease trying to be all things to all people, it is not possible. I hope he realizes this, if he doesnt, there will be no real change going on………. And man alive we need change in this country….
Vote:October 25th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
When National won the election in 2008 overwhelmingly with nearly 50% of the votes Labour felt the public had been duped. THEY WERE WRONG
Vote:They really believed they had a right to rule.
THEY WERE WRONG
They told us that that National and ACT would sell public assets.
THEY WERE WRONG
They told us that John Key could not be trusted.
THEY WERE WRONG
They told us that a poll of 52% was a honeymoon.
THEY WERE WRONG
They told us that 57% at 11 months is still a honeymoon.
THEY WERE WRONG
They believe that their latest intake of MP’s will make a great cabinet
ONLY IN SELF FUNDED HOBBY FURNITURE CLASS
October 25th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
what is Matt up to .. I have always, until now, considered him to be a blind lefty but he “seems” to be more considered. what’s happening with the guy .. I need to dislike him
Vote:October 25th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Could be funny for a couple of years as the labour factions disintegrate and squabble and finger point.
Vote:October 26th, 2009 at 9:45 am
M-m-m-m-m-m-matt m-m-m-m-m-m-made some m-m-m-m-m-magnanimous comments there. He m-m-m-m-m-must have been m-m-m-m-mighty m-m-m-m-mad at the sight of M-m-m-m-mauler M-m-m-m-m-mallard m-m-m-m-masticating to have m-m-m-m-m-mentioned it.
Vote: