A bad display

NZPA report:

Cabinet Minister Jonathan Coleman was breathing fire in Parliament this afternoon after a dig about his ability to help win by-elections for struck home.

Labour's Darren Hughes got under Mr Coleman's skin in during today calling out “maestro” when Dr Coleman rose to answer a health question.

He then made a quip about Dr Coleman being the maestro of Mana — where National's is battling Labour's Kris Fa'afoi to win November's by-election.

Dr Coleman had a bad run with Melissa Lee during the Mt Albert by-election last year and it clearly still rankled.

Pointing his finger at Mr Hughes, he said: “I tell you what, if you want to go on like that we're waiting for to start telling the about you Dazza. Alright so I would get back into your box if I were you buddy, because you are on his list.”

Dr Coleman was referring to a list of 17 MPs who Mr Carter says talked about rolling Labour leader .

I'm disappointed the Minister responded in the fashion in which he did. Frankly he should be able to handle what was a pretty gentle hassle.

UPDATE: I've deleted one paragraph, having been satisfied that I was being overly sensitive in my interpretation, and having now viewed the video, the exchange doesn't seem particularly unusual. My regrets if the original post upset anyone.