Rodney on John
Neither Rodney or John will be happy with this story:
Prime Minister John Key has done nothing except bring up the idea of a national cycleway, ACT leader Rodney Hide told guests at a party fundraiser in Christchurch. …
Not aware a Press reporter was also at the table, Hide, whose party is a support partner in the National-led Government, said Key “doesn’t do anything” and was highly regarded, while “ACT did everything and we are hated”.
All Key “had done” was the cycleway, Hide said. “It’s amazing.”
I understand the point Rodney was trying to make – the more you do, the more unpopular you can get. But his hyperbole is unfortunate.
To be fair, Rodney also said:
In his speech to yesterday’s function, Hide said “you could not get a better guy to work with” than Key, who had made it clear he wanted all his ministers to have a good relationship with ACT.
“He has been absolutely true to his word,” Hide told guests.
My impression is that the relationship between Rodney and John is very good. I don’t think John will lose sleep over the comments but Rodney is probably kicking himself for his turn of phrase.
UPDATE: And Rodney has apologised.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
These kind of mindless slip ups are unavoidable for a man who only recently saw his cock again for the first time in years.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
“All Key “had done” was the cycleway, Hide said. ”
A statement of fact.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
John’s boot should be planted firmly in Rodney’s backside along with his own.
Perhaps Rodney thought that journos were as tight fisted as Canterbury regional councillors.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Remind me again was it Hide or his partner who got dropped on their head in the sickly TV dancing show?
November 5th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
What a truly hideous photo of Mr Hide.
[QUOTE] “ACT did everything and we are hated”.[/QUOTE]
Boo hoo!
[QUOTE] But he accepted that National had substantial political support and a strong mandate from New Zealanders for what is “a wide ranging and active programme of reform”. [/QUOTE]
Whereas ACT garnered even less party vote than NZ First. Perhaps Mr Hide misunderstands. They are not hated… they are merely not wanted.
RRM likes this.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
[QUOTE] But he accepted that National had substantial political support and a strong mandate from New Zealanders for what is “a wide ranging and active programme of reform”. [/QUOTE]
This is contradictory, sounds like a lot more than a cycleway. So what does Hide really think? Was “doesn’t do anything” just backroom bravado? Or does he speak out of different sides of his mouth, the inside and the outside.
I agree RRM, I don’t see it as hate, more like “you can have a bit of a say, you can do a bit, but don’t act like you are running the show”.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Strange that a party that includes the enormously talented Heather Roy should have Hide as its leader.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
What labours excuse for Goff then Leg?
He really the best they can do… oh wait he could well be.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I think Hide was a reasonable out-of-power leader, but he hasn’t handled the transition to in-power minor party leader so well.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
As of late, Hide is behaving strangely, but in this case he’s speaking the truth: what has Key done?
Appeasing and compromising do not count, so where are the results of Key’s actions?
November 5th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Even different than not wanted, I think Rodney’s political skill now he is in govt is being exposed & it’s not pretty viewing.
Fundamentally though ACT are in a tough spot, the really skilled people they’d want either don’t want to be in Govt or if they do want to be in Govt go for a party( National ) where they have real power to influence. Which leaves ACT full of theoretical semi-talented politicians, who are far better at complaining than actually doing anything useful ( or in Douglas’s case, they have achieved a a huge amount, but are more older statesmen as opposed to young turks who’ll drive change ).
I still think unless ACT changes real fast they’ll end up being compared with NZ First in the last govt & I’d prefer National were not put in a position where they have no choice but to let ACT go as coalition partners.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
So where is my national cycleway, then?
November 5th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Hide is lucky that Key does not take this sort of thing very seriously. But Hide did more damage to his political credibility by taking his girlfriend on a world trip paid for by the taxpayer. And it is all very well for Act but they are on 2-3% of the vote so their political strategy is not that hot. This was a public meeting of course it could get reported. Hide is just covering his tracks when he chose to criticise the Prime Minister. How would he like it if Key has criticised him at a public meeting. Not much I suspect. But then Key is a much more civilised person than Hide. And another thing Hide cannot get a damn thing done including the Supercity UNLESS National allows him indeed more National MPs voted for the supercity than Act MPs.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
http://www.tourism.govt.nz/Our-Work/New-Zealand-Cycleway-Project/
November 5th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Not trying to defend Hide at all as he is experienced enough to know better but who hasn’t had a whinge of that sort of nature, using extreme exaggeration to make a point.
As in “What do we have to do to get the public behind us? Here’s me working my butt off doing unpopular things while John Key has the Midas Touch even though he appears to do nothing”
HEH, had a spelling mistake and wrote bitt instead of butt. Could also be true.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Hide ought to be sacked.
Revealing cabinet secrets surely ought to justify this ; )
November 5th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
“Asked whether he meant Sir Roger would not be a cabinet minister under any circumstances, Mr Key replied: “Yes. . . on the basis of his radical right-wing agenda.”I’m not going to lead a radical far-right agenda”, Key before election when dismissing the talents of Sir Roger Douglas.
“Asians can do the fruitpicking, they have small hands”, the current speaker of the House during the election campaign.
“National’s Deputy Leader Bill English has been caught on tape making candid comments about his boss.
He suggested John Key did not completely understand the Working For Families tax credit scheme.
A recent conversation at a National Party cocktail function was secretly captured on tape.
He voices how he thinks the public views his leader.
“They’re sitting there thinking that nice man, Mr Key, he’s pretty smart, he’ll get me a bit more,” English was recorded as saying.”
What’s my point?
That National says silly things about ACT and that National say silly things about National!
Where’s the story?
November 5th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
So the only thing he’s achieved is something that doesn’t exist yet?
Next you’ll be telling me he’s in line for the Nobel Peace Prize..
November 5th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
A non issue really.
Hide was only making the same point that Armstrong and Roughan in the Herald albeit more bluntly as politicians are want to do between themselves.
This is a small “c” conservative status quo Government. In ACC the PM had to be convinced of the virtue of National’s own pre election manifesto commitments.
The Prime Minster’s only personal policy initiative is the cycleway; the only other idea lightly floated was currency union with Australia and that was more kit flying than agenda setting. None of this is to say he has not been effective in the other aspects of the job of Prime Minister like overall management of the politics of the Government. Clearly he has and the public say so. And his personal modern style is refreshing.
The main point that the Left fail to understand is that differences in political approach doesn’t mean there should be an absence of personal and professional regard between the individuals. For many of the Left, differences in politics and approach to public policy is synonymous with personal dislike. It makes them do odd things; like the Mussolini characterisation of Key. It’s so humourless and unnatural. Most New Zealanders don’t like it when they see it.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Journos are about as trustworthy as lawyers and politicians. The profession requires scumsucking and bottomfeeding.
As for his comments re jk doing nothing – well its pretty accurate. I wish he would openly critisize him more, I suspect he would be able to gain some support that ACT lost when Don Brash became the nats leaders as I suspect alot of them will not be happy with national in its current state. It may make him more unpopular with most of NZ but I suspect most of these people wouldn’t vote for ACT anyway. Also, lets face it, the nats need ACT as they cannot rely on the maori party as its only coalition partner… that would be a match made in hell.
I agree with what Nigel said earlier about ACT being in a tough spot. Since Quigley and Prebble left they have really lacked leadership. Roger Douglas is great but it appears he has been shut out of any significant discussions.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Chris
“None of this is to say he has not been effective in the other aspects of the job of Prime Minister like overall management of the politics of the Government”
Surely you jest?
Let’s see, Richard Worth, Melissa Lee, Melissa Lee again, Nick SMith, ACC, Climate change or the lack thereof, unemployment, Anne Tolley many times? Where is the evidence of management?
If you mean the management of current opinion polls then maybe but we should expect a lot more than that from our PM.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Notwithstanding what Hide said before his official speech, I thought Hide said he was going to an ACT function to speak as an ACT leader about ACT policy, not charging $45 to talk about his role as a Government Minister and National’s ministerial relationships with ACT ministers.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Like a super city?
November 5th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Let’s see how well his sper City works in practice, if he stuff’s up the Auckland economy and new development there the rest of NZ will suffer
Thought he was a bit condescending to the ministry with his “they’re too busy with their own stuff they can’t be bothered” comment. Does he regard them as policy lightweights?
I’m beginning to think Tau Henare was right.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Perhaps if Rodders spent a little less time in front of the gym mirrors, or making a dick of himself on “Prancing with the Stars” or jetting around the world (at taxpayers expense) with his latest squeeze…maybe then he would notice just how busy the PM really is.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I am sure John Key fully agrees with what Rodney Hide said. Not that he would admit it.
What I am not sure of is, whether or not it is a deliberate strategy using ACT as a lightning rod.
Either way, I don’t think ACT are too bothered because they are not being hated by people who could potentially vote for them.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Just as well Rodders put both feet in it, as its pushed of the front page Gerry putting one foot in it yesterday.
Wonder what the reception will be like from nationals ministers next time Hide makes one of his occasional appearances at cabinet, A standing ovation ?
November 5th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Micky:
Mostly beltway stuff really – most NZers think Key is doing a good job. He is also a quick learner. And to an extent he is learning on the job. Helen had to serve for 18yrs prior to being PM. All in all its surprising how well Key does.
Dave:
Oh dear the Left really have to have their line on the function sorted. It was corruption. Now its an issue of the politics of the relationship between National and ACT and the PM being weak for being spat on. Henny Penny is not an election strategy.
bchapman:
Ministers do get absorbed in the detail of their own portfolios its nothing to do with individual capabilities, which of course vary as within any group of individuals.
3-coil:
Jealousy is boring really.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Someone should tell Rodney that Key is the “Prime” Minister – and they usually delegate stuff to others and underlings like him
November 5th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I do not doubt that there is real irritation in the National caucus about Mr Hide’s comments (notwithstanding this blog’s attempt to minimise the fall-out). In their eyes. he’s over-reached badly in terms of power and status, and allowing comments to surface to the effect that Mr Key is wasted space will add to that sense of excess. Mr Key will lose no sleep because of this – he is secure in his position, for now. But there will be no love lost.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I could potentially vote for Act, but this sort of attitude wouldn’t encourage me to. How many % are they on?
November 5th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Few enough that it’s really only Epsom polling that counts.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Robert Winter
Actually the National Cabinet seem remarkably short on the Animus of the previous government that aggravated every insult (and stored it in permanent memory), saw dark agendas, self interested angles everywhere, where anyone doing a State job independent of the pols was opened up on if they crossed the pols.
That sort of “everything’s political 100% all of the time stuff”.
That I think is up to the tone set by Key – he just not that complex a person. His natural disposition is open and straightforward and more relaxed.
Can’t see anyone in the Nats getting that upset it’s just not the sort of Government.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
@Chris Diack: you may well be, to some extent, right. However, first, many of the caucus are ‘old style’ politicians, and they do allow things to fester; second, there is some loyalty to the PM, and I understand there is serious irritation that ‘the tail’ is sniping at the PM – it’s apparently not the first time, and won’t be the last.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Robert Winter:
Interestingly you claim to speak for a number in the National Caucus – I doubt it somehow.
There is no tail problem. There is however a minority National led Government.
Marshalling parliamentary support for your legislation is a normal process if not between parties then within them under FPTP. MMP simply makes all that more honest and the voters have a direct input via elections.
Yes it’s true some in the Nats don’t like MMP. But that’s only because Clark appeared to be quite good at it. Key is also proving adept. Those most critical of MMP quite like a bit of radical reform. Others simply hark back to the supposed black and white simple past (a past more of their memory than reality).
The last PM to claim to be held to ransom by “parliamentary tail” was Muldoon under FPTP. Tail waging dog is a contempory problem dog biting off tail is.
In terms of baubles, the MMP ones pail into insignificance compared to those of the old FPTP Parliaments. Marginal seats got big taxpayer spends. Look at all the old railway branch lines built for reasons of politics that drove NZ Rail into 100yrs of losses. Naturally any electoral system that results in only a few geographical areas being truly politically competitive will result in taxpayer largess in those areas.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Chris, I am fine with MMP (would like a few tweaks though) and I’d like to see a strong smallish Act party in the mix. I know it’s new territory to have a pinky on the rudder and there’s some role learning going on, I just hope Mr Hide learns to keep his degree of power and policy pull in perspective. Bragging to his mates about how big a political fish he has caught, reported in the media or not, is not a great look to some people.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Chris Diack – Very insightful comments.
“In terms of baubles, the MMP ones pail into insignificance compared to those of the old FPTP Parliaments. Marginal seats got big taxpayer spends. Look at all the old railway branch lines built for reasons of politics that drove NZ Rail into 100yrs of losses. Naturally any electoral system that results in only a few geographical areas being truly politically competitive will result in taxpayer largess in those areas.”
Even now its a minority of people that get heard… the swing vote. This is why we are unlikely to get a government that isn’t almost completely centrist (eg, the National and Labour party’s). However at least under mmp this is offset slightly by the fact that a big party has to work with a smaller party to its left or right to gain power.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Key and the Nats must be delighted as we roll towards a vote on MMP. Hide, Douglas and Hone are making the case for a review better than any form of organised publicity.
JC
November 5th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I fear our Rodders is having blood pressure problems at the moment. Not enough blood getting to the higher ground where smart decisions are usually made. Erm, yes, L- U- R V -E might explain it.
November 5th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Yet another media beat-up about ACT from the left-wing media. Quite simple. They can get their rocks off promoting socialism and I can respond by having them lose even more of an audience.
November 5th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Time we got rid of MMP so this prick can go back to the back benches, greedy little taxpayer sponge
November 5th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
can anyone name ONE thing that ACT (Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church) has done ?
November 5th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
emmess (633) Vote: 3 1 Says:
November 5th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I am sure John Key fully agrees with what Rodney Hide said. Not that he would admit it.
I am sure John Key fully agrees that Rodney Hide is Media Whoring Cock. Not that he would admit it.
November 5th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Jeez, Rodders, you really are a dumb bastard are you not, do you really want the Nat candidate in Epsom suggesting to Labour voters how they can get rid of the ACT/entitled party.
Rodders dear boy, add the Nat and Labour electoral votes in Epsom, come to a bit more than you got do they not ?
November 5th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Well by the TV snap of Key and Hide walking away from the reporters, laughing their heads off and Key patting Rodney on the back I’d say that there is a lot of shit being talked by many. Key is stuck with a number of useless Ministers who are incapable of achieving much ( Coleman, Heatley,Williamson(didn’t know leaky homes existed till this year) for a start). A couple who are argumentative and useless (Smith comes to mind) and a few more that are born to rule types who have lived of the system for years. (English fits this Bill)
I wouldn’t doubt that he needs to talk to someone with forward thinking, daily. Apart from Joyce and Grosser who else is their but Rodney.
November 5th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Are you telling us that Taxpayer Sponge Rodney is forward thinking ?
How is he forward thinking ?
Enlighten us all
November 5th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Can’t help thinking the media esp TVNZ given their lead story coverage tonight on not one but two Rodney hits: travel and this; have decided to probe the coalition partner’s weaknesses since they can’t make a lasting dent in Key or his cabinet.
Nevertheless, Rodney’s stance on the travel is dumb, as is his actions in giving the media the ammo to do what they have on this Key issue. I mean, hello – the mike is always live, Rodney, haven’t you seen that Yes Minister episode?
I expected more, Rodney, from the travel. My opinion of you hasn’t changed, but I bet some of your potential voters have decided you don’t walk your talk. And given they’re generally at the higher end of the IQ scale, they will remember.
November 5th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
At the end of the day, Rodney Hide ( and his sheep of followers) is a dumb cunt.
Key is dumber though for allowing him power for his pissy little Five member MMP party
November 5th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Change your nappy, Dirty Twat, it’s making you irritable.
November 5th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
since they can’t make a lasting dent in Key or his cabinet.
They’ll be scratching their heads about how the Bill English add didn’t hurt the Nats, they will.
November 5th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
What is “sheep of followers” Dirty Rat? Who is the dumb one?
Meantime the political quicksand continues to suck on Rodney Hide’s feet:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10607532
This is a lesson to do-gooders and fitness freaks everywhere. Rodney Jekyll, boozing and verbal-brawling, would never have got into this mess.
When something appears through the haze promising you can have the body of an athlete, dance, and win chicks 20 years younger than yourself, it’s the Devil talking, the frigging Red Socialist Devil.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Dirty Rat by name, Dirty Rat by nature… does he have anything intelligent to say… nope, just Dirty Rat comments.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
“At the end of the day, Rodney Hide ( and his sheep of followers) is dumb. Key is dumber…”
Yeah, well so far in one year Rodney’s imposed the biggest change that the Auckland Region has ever seen and Key has demonstrated more potential in the top job than Hulun ever did despite coming to office during the worst global crisis this country has seen since 1929.
If that’s dumb and dumber, what would you call the 5th Liarbore govt, Dirty Rat? What do you think those wankers would have done in the last year, given they managed to achieve precisely nothing during a period of great opportunity. I mean, we can now see their legacy. Where is it? Having to borrow $250 million per week just to keep afloat? That’s what they left us.
Fucking d’oh.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
reid – They wouldn’t have borrowed $250 million a week… they would have taxed us $250 million a week. Unfortunately JK hasn’t showed the fortitude to significantly reign in government spending to reduce this $250 million sum. And Rodney is to busy gleefully enjoying his overseas trips rather than speaking out about the real issues, leaving the batton for Roger Douglas to be the only one in parliament to point out the fact that $250 million a week is rediculous and unnecessary.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Dirty Twat sounds like an aggrieved Gween voter. Krazy Katherine, perhaps?
November 5th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Huff Duff
Dont lose a tampon finding a hanky in your handbag.
Whats it like to be devout to an idiot who got caught with his snout in the trough ??
Emperors New Clothes sums you sheep perfectly.
I have admiration for John Key, and I am a National supporter, but this is akin to us taking on Winston as one of us.
Hide is no different to Peters, and judging by you, neither is his devout followers.
So what does Rodney and his merry bunch of list MP’s have to offer ?
sweet fuck all, apart from pissing and moaning and biting the hand that feeds, ie, the taxpayer
November 5th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I don’t know what is worse, Nats who are hammering Hide or lefties who still think the trip was a rort?
Hide is right. National under Key has sold its right wing brand up the creek in exchange for some magic polling beans. I can’t believe any Nat here would defend keeping WFF, high tax rates, giving Cullen a great job and everything else Key has done to appease the left. Only a year and a bit ago you lot were screaming bloody murder because Helen Clark was doing the same thing. No wonder when the Nats lose they take so bloody long to get their shit together again.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Prancing Dancing nedia whore said ” I will resign if blah blah blah I dont get my own way regarding super city and Maori”
John should have said ” Fucking resign cocksucksucker and take your four MMP elected list MP’s with you, I am the fucking Prime Minister”
November 5th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Heine
Do you pay a tithe to the ACT party ?
November 5th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Jack5 (1113) Vote: 2 0 Says:
November 5th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
What is “sheep of followers” Dirty Rat? Who is the dumb one?
Meantime the political quicksand continues to suck on Rodney Hide’s feet:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10607532
Nice one Jack5
Use a link to try and justify your argument
next I will expect John 1:16 or whatever the fuck it is
November 5th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
“reid – They wouldn’t have borrowed $250 million a week… they would have taxed us $250 million a week. Unfortunately JK hasn’t showed the fortitude to significantly reign in government spending to reduce this $250 million sum.”
Charlie, Key could easily do that, if he wanted to lose the next election. The point is, the last govt had the best economic conditions in living memory and they squandered them, largely on their own political base. Furthermore, through a series of transparent moves, they deliberately with malice aforethought left no manoeuvring room for this govt.
All govts favour their own base to a larger or lessor extent. The last govt did it in spades throughout the whole 9 years and did little else. Furthermore, they deliberately poisoned the well.
Now this was NOT THEIR WELL, it WAS *OUR* WELL. Those wankers, fucked us all, for the benefit of the few – furthermore, they did not do it to benefit their own base, they did it to benefit those few politicians in parliament who are still unethical enough to belong to the LIARBORE party.
This was the worst govt in our history.
The Nat’s aren’t perfect by a long shot. Even Al Capone however, would have always been better than Hulun and her selfish mob.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Hahahaha, Dirty Twat.
Don’t worry, Mummy will be here soon to read you a story and everything will be all right.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Clint Heine (816) Vote: 0 0 Says:
November 5th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I don’t know what is worse, Nats who are hammering Hide or lefties who still think the trip was a rort?
Do you suppose that using taxpayers money to go to his bitches brothers wedding in North America and staying in five star hotels was legit political practice ?
You really are a fuckwit in that case
November 5th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Hurf Duff
You are not my mummy, nor are you my nana.
Remember that when you suck Rodneys toes
November 5th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Shit, Dirty Twat, stop polluting the place with your spam. No one wants it.
Like hell you’re a National supporter. Probably one of the “Blue-Greens” scum or a “time to give the opposition a chance” clown.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Hurf Duff
Why are you trying control freedom of speech when soneone has a go at your precious yellow suited kaiser ?
November 5th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Speaking of gaffes
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/gaffe_prone_biden_embarrasses
November 5th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Control? I’m controlling nothing. I’m merely suggesting you take a long walk off a tall cliff. I’m not defending Hide either, I’m merely expressing disgust at an obvious Moby having a paddy.
3/10, see me after class.
November 6th, 2009 at 12:47 am
after class?……..
thats just fucking creepy
November 6th, 2009 at 7:12 am
reid – what good is winning the election if you don’t do anything to fix the problems? Do you seriously think that National is going to do lots more in terms 2 and 3? John Key has already promised his way away from doing much. The nats need to stop trying to stay in power at all costs and start doing something for the better of the country. With his poll ratings and labours unpopularity he could do a considerable amount without worrying about losing the election anyway, especially considering we are borrowing $250 million a week. He has sold out half of Nationals core supporters for the center swing voters, and if ACT would openly criticize them more they could capitalize on it.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am
This is an old story – in fact Hans Christian Anderson was the first to tell it. In his version, John Key is the emperor, policies are clothes and Rodney Hide is a lttle boy. Also there is no apology in the original version, and shouldn’t have been is this one.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Isn’t it nice Mr Clean or should I say Mr $50m man tells everyone else that he’s going to pay for his wife and don’t use your allowances within the rules as it’s not a good look. (he can afford it but they might not be able too).
Meanwhile he makes no effort to make parliamentary services open to us their employers.
Now if he really was the man of principle his publicity stunt of paying for his wife was all about he would have done all below.
Our Prime Minister is a Hypocrite, same level of word as cheat, liar but longer.
No, Rodney and whomever wants to can all take their wives girlfriends/boyfriends to where ever until the scheme is changed.
So stop the hand wringing and insist that the rules are changed, their pay and allowances are set by an independent body (really independent) and all areas of parliamentary services are subject to OIA.
Why not all govt cheques above $1000 avail on the net while we are at it too, I bet the lefty’s, bludgers and grannies would love that.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:02 am
@ Chris Diack: my point is simply that some National MPs are ‘livid’ (to use the TV3 phrase) with Mr Hide about his multiple transgressions (theme parks and weddings now). It is clear, and notwithstanding your doubts, I am informed, that at least some National MPs are fed up with Mr Hide’s truculence.
http://www.3news.co.nz/Red-faced-Hide-apologises-for-criticism-of-Key/tabid/370/articleID/128410/cat/67/Default.aspx
November 6th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Robert Winter:
I guess you don’t know politics that well. Your repeated posts on this are evidence.
The 90% discount on holiday travel airfares brigade of MP’s will be overjoyed that Hide is admitting no wrong doing and has publicly stated he will continue to use this perk, which is part of his remuneration as an MP, as he is entitled to do. If the perk buster takes the heat and holds firm they can. They want him to hold the line.
The other MPs with similar high discounts will also be pleased. They look to earning the 90% discount on holiday airfares – its so juicy particularily in retirement. It means low cost holidaying for the rest of one’s active life.
Naturally they would prefer the ‘perk buster’ to be handling the heat than themselves.
As MPs are competitive, there will be some small element of enjoyment it that it is Hide in the spotlight – like its Karma – hopefully the damage is limited to Hide’s personal branding.
The overwhelming attitude will be not to pile in on Hide about the travel discount holiday airfares story (as that will give the story legs and attract attention to one’s own travelling) in the hope that the damage is to Hide personally, not the perk. Not so the story about the ChCh remarks – that’s good for the Opposition as its business as usual. King piled in an attempted to turn the story on to Key. Some on the left are trying the “Key is a weakling line”
Without looking myself I suspect there is not a single media release from the Opposition on the travel story.
As to blunt views about the Government expressed in Christchurch, in the scheme of things (the risk to the travel discounts for holiday travel) the bulk of National MPs won’t care.
In truth because National is a big tent party there will be a variety of views within National about ACT. Some Nat’s like ACT’s general approach and influence on Government policy some don’t. Some Nats will agree with the basic thrust of Hide’s bluntly put views but would be more subtle about they way they put it and only ever in private among friends and party insiders.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
@ Chris Diack: Despite your rather defensive attempt to make out that here is little in either story about Mr Hide – the incompetent Key and Cabinet and Perk-user Extraordinaire) the simple point I make is true. Many National MPs are fed up with Mr Hide at the moment. I can understand that, for you, it must be very uncomfortable to have Mr Hide perceived in this way. His appearance of contrition in TV last night will not go far in rescuing his reputation.
Also, I appreciate your offer of a Politics 101 tutorial. Perhaps it might have been better directed, and earlier, at Mr Hide, who seems surprised that a journalist at his very public breakfast table might report what he says.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I will not be renewing my ACT party membership till Rodney is gone from ACT. This is a disgrace. Rodney use to have video clips on his website talking about how he was passionate about busting perks and making parliament accountable to the tax payers then the twit goes and does a Winston and gets suckered in by the baubles of office. Idiot – he has forgotten what ACT stands for – Association of Consumers and Tax Payers.
Like Winston, opposition is clearly a better place for Rodney.
November 7th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I agree with Clint Heine above : Clint Heine Says: November 5th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
”
I don’t know what is worse, Nats who are hammering Hide or lefties who still think the trip was a rort?
Hide is right. National under Key has sold its right wing brand up the creek in exchange for some magic polling beans. I can’t believe any Nat here would defend keeping WFF, high tax rates, giving Cullen a great job and everything else Key has done to appease the left. Only a year and a bit ago you lot were screaming bloody murder because Helen Clark was doing the same thing. No wonder when the Nats lose they take so bloody long to get their shit together again.
”
But the fact is Hide has ruined his reputation.
Ask people you know,
Hide has fucked himself