Coffin meet nail
June 26th, 2011 at 9:23 am by David FarrarAt a dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant in Washington, Thompson approached Kelly, Street and the business leader.
Thompson is alleged to have made lewd comments at the social event about the relationship Kelly had with Prime Minister John Key, who has been married to wife Bronagh since both were teenagers.
Late last night, the Prime Minister’s office dismissed Thompson’s allegations as “totally ridiculous”.
The source said the comments were made without any basis other than Helen Kelly and John Key’s “good working relationship”.
“He asked her what the relationship was between her and John Key. There was sexual innuendo. Then he said he asked John Key, the last time he saw him. He said he asked if he [Key] fancied Helen.”
The source said Kelly was visibly upset by the comments. She said to Thompson: “That’s disgusting.”
I think I’m speechless. I can’t decide what is stupider for the head of the Auckland Employers Association.
- Asking John Key if he fancied the President of the CTU
- Telling the CTU President that he had asked the PM if he fancied her
- Doing (2) in front of a Labour MP
EMA president Graham Mountfort said Thompson would be asked to explain himself to the board and was no longer allowed to speak with the media.
“He won’t be an advocate for us in the future.”
I note the Wellington EMA went to the trouble of specifically e-mailing all their members disassociating themselves from the comments of their Auckland counterpart.
Tags: Alasdair Thompson, EMA Northern, Helen Kelly, John Key
June 26th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Pillock!
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:34 am
So now he would have us believe that Key has been boinking Kelly? Seriously?
Vote:I mean apparently he is quite appealing to the ladies and she does have a rugged quality that Key could find appealing
But can you imagine the pillow talk?
June 26th, 2011 at 9:35 am
The idiocy is strong in this one!
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:46 am
One gets the distinct feeling that he has been set up. Brian Edwards revelations clearly show that TV3′s sense of ethics was firmly embedded in England and both Street and Kelly have had had this incident in the scandal bank for some time. Life’s tough at the top!
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:46 am
so this terrible thing happened in 2009 and its relevant now,because?
What bearing does it have on the current stupidity? especially as its (currently) hearsay.
I have a friend at EMA Central (now the employers chamber of commerce after EMA central merged with the local CHamber of commerce), and he has never been particularly fond of Thompson anyway.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:47 am
Another downtrodden male just telling it like it is against the feminazi lizardluminati, amirite
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:51 am
A nail being driven in with a sledge hammer.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:51 am
In further news, it was reported that Alisdair Thompson was disruptive at a recent Beehive meeting between employers, unions and the government. He reportedly refused to stop singing “John and Helen up a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G” before being escorted from the room after being repeatedly warned against throwing paper darts.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:52 am
This shows a pattern, what is the bet there will be a letter on the desk to sign when he arrives at work tomorrow.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:55 am
The guy’s got issues – can’t keep his mind above his belt – a gutter trawler.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:03 am
More than likely alcohol involved and he thought his comments were witty rather than the very poor lack of judgement they are. Sadly I’ve also been guilty of alcohol induced studipity.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:07 am
NZGroover
Vote:So he’s stupid AND a boozer. Great combination!
June 26th, 2011 at 10:18 am
Enraged rabble
Flaming lanterns
Pitchforks……..
We now have a profuckengressive witch hunt. Only this is a 21st C one and the victim is a white male from the business class. Even so called “right wingers” are out to get him.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:25 am
Ahem, hold up there. Who says that what he said isn’t reality?????
Do any of you know?????????
Chances are that he may know more than you do.
I don’t know BUT where there’s smoke there is fire and many’s the truth that is spoken in jest.
Get over your self righteousness and defending people that are able to defend themselves.
The only people who will know the truth will be those that shadowed both the last PM and those that shadow this one.
Was this why Worth got sent packing. Saw more than he should have on the same night?????
Well now the possibilities are endless.
Vote:Kinda makes us take another look at the leaking of Brash’s emails Doesn’t it.
June 26th, 2011 at 10:31 am
DPF, have you an agenda here?
Was Thompson planning to run against a mate of yours for a top job or something?
If this is all alleged , why post it?
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:32 am
The Herald on Sunday has learned Thompson was among a large group of influential New Zealanders at a high-level trade meeting at the US-NZ Partnership Forum in the United States from October 6 to 8, 2009.
– http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10734588
For nearly three years everyone has sat on this important information?
Vote:That is even longer than Phil Goff sat on [sic] Darren Hughes.
June 26th, 2011 at 10:37 am
It’s the sort of thing that comes out when one has already dug one’s own hole – a final push into the grave.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:39 am
“The source said Kelly was visibly upset by the comments..”
What about the PM? He’s the real victim here – can you imaging how you’d feel if someone made a comment about you having a ‘relationship’ with Helen Kelly?
I’d sooner be locked inside a full day meeting of head grinch’s coven.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:43 am
This is truely stupid stuff. How can Thompson have a constructive relationship with the PM against the background of these comments. I feel it is time is up for Mr Thompson – who has a social credit background of all things.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:44 am
Never let the facts get in the way of a good story huh, boys and girls ??
These claims have a distinct odour to them.
Let the man defend himself for heavens sake.
And besides…since its Sunday…”For he who is without sin, Let him cast the first stone”
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:59 am
Read the comment attributed to Kelly about the practice of holding on to evidence.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5193667/Spying-on-workers-made-legal
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 11:00 am
As mikenmild says, when one is tittering on the brink, things from ones past have a habit of surfacing.
EMA’s Northern’s vision is “We are a membership organization that promotes the success of business by seeking to create the most desirable environment for business and adding value through representation, knowledge and support.”
I think that Thompson’s employer will win any unjustified dismissal suit by pointing to this and what Thompson has done in the last few days and asking the court to simply conclude that he has failed miserably to perform his stated duties.
I still want to know what their Media Liaison officer, former National MP Marie Hasler was doing all this time. Besides the obvious of cringing and trying to find a new job.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 11:23 am
Perhaps he is looking for a job at the IMF.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 11:38 am
That is part of the problem, I think. This guy cannot defend himself without digging the hole deeper! I watched the TV3 interview, and I was appalled at his obnoxious, aggressive, insulting behaviour. That is why he should be sacked, not for his initial recent comment.
I think it may well have been alcohol fueled. I saw his face flushed red, the veins on his face, and immediately thought “That guy has had a liquid lunch”. Not a good combination – idiocy and alcohol.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 11:46 am
David; what you watched was the four minutes out of TWENTY-SEVEN that the Campbell Live producers deemed to be the most “newsworthy” (read: sensational). It is one of the more biased pieces of editing that has been aired of late.
I do NOT defend Alasdair Thompson’s initial comments, his response to Mihi Forbes as shown on Campbell Live, or this latest revelation. But Brian Edwards reckons that Thompson ought to complain to the Broadcasting Standards Authority on the basis of the clip not being fair and balanced, and it’s hard to disagree with him. Campbell Live set him up; of that there is no doubt.
http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2011/06/on-alasdair-thompson-campbell-live-and.html
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 11:52 am
IV2
Vote:Agreed. None of the parties come out with any credit. The biggest loser should be TV3 because of its apparent dishonesty. I suspect, however, BSA will adopt the wet bus ticket therapy if it ever goes that far.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:54 am
Inventory2
No one on Campbell Live forced him to say what he did; Thompson has only himself to thank for that. I don’t think we should be too precious about a current affairs show only showing the juiciest bits that fit their presentation of a story – that’s just what they do.
I can only imagine the comments on Kiwiblog if Phil Goff or Helen Kelly had given a similar performance.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 11:57 am
Mikenmild
Vote:I disagree. TV3, like all media, can be hugely influential and when it deliberately distorts a viewpoint by failing to show balance then it stands condemned.
June 26th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
In the light of TV3′s debacle, could the Tui’s ad in Sat NZH be on shakey ground for a defamation action??
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Absolutely agree Nookin. Edwards piece (linked to in my blog-post) has both the full video and the clip as shown on Thursday night. I doubt that the Campbell Live people could mount a defence that their piece met the “fair and balanced” criteria, given what was said that DIDN’T get to air.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
is it likely that anyone will complain to the BSA? Thompson would have to be crazy to want that.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
EMA President has basically said it – if he cannot be an asdvocate for EMA then he is useless as a CEO.
A decade or so ago Carol Stigley then CEO of Local Government Association somehow got up the nose of Sandra Lee (Alliance MP and Minister of Local Government) and Sandra blackballed Carol. Carol being of no further use to Local Governmet Association was quickly shown the door even though she had done nothing ‘wrong’.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Wouldn’t be surprised if this guy turns out to have a brain tumour or something. Clearly the mouse is not running around the wheel in the right direction.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Regardless, of whether there are mitigating circumstances in his favor, he showed incredibly poor judgement. How could he have a good working relationship with the government after making suggestive comments about Key and Kelly? Doesn’t matter when he did it, he still did it. A key part of his role will be to foster trust relationships with other key organisations, including government. In todays world he should also have a good working relationship with union leaders. As my 10 yr old son would say – epic fail! And this week he will have alienated just about every female CEO and HR manager amongst his membership. To say that this group will be very influential is to state the obvious.
Vote:Sorry, but if I was his chairman I would be distancing the organization from Thompson and his comments as soon as possible. I would have already consulted one of the top HR lawyers and have a strategy in place. A pity really, because for a long time he was a real driver in the EMA.
June 26th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
IV2, I never liked Brian Edwards blog because he is a leftist but I read the Martin Devlin Story and also the Al Thomson story, I’m starting to like his analysis.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
From “Cactus Kate”
(http://asianinvasion2006.blogspot.com/)
There’s pretty much one taboo subject for men in the workplace. Women and their time spent on sick leave. The PSA threw out statistics claiming that there is “little difference” in the sick days taken in the public service:
The figures were based on data in the State Services Commission’s Human Resources Capability Study and show that in 2010 men took on average 6.8 days sick and domestic leave annually while women took 8.4 days.
This difference of 1.6 days actually represents at 24% difference. Which is material….
He comes over as an obnoxious, bumbling, chauvinistic and arrogant little %$@#.
Vote:But is he telling porkies?
June 26th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
The guy is of much use as a used tampon
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Other_Andy
Sadly, if Thompson did have a point, he was incapable of getting it across. What was it he wanted to say anyway? Doesn’t matter; it’s irrelevant now.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
mikenmild (582) Says:
“Sadly, if Thompson did have a point, he was incapable of getting it across. What was it he wanted to say anyway? Doesn’t matter; it’s irrelevant now.”
Yep, the wrong (wo)man for the job.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Well, I have watched the full interviews and I think TV3 and Campbell Live come out lily-white.
Thompson is a veteran lobbyist. He knows very well the very first rule of dealing with journalists – everything is on the public record unless it is clearly agreed otherwise by both parties, in advance of the conversation. There was no such agreement.
He lost his cool. Stupid, stupid, stupid. And in doing so, he revealed through his words and body language a style that was intimidatory, ugly, bullying and arrogant. The fact that the journalist was female and young was highly relevant to this – the way he stood over her, leaned in, and invaded her personal space was just appalling. His conduct during the interview became part of the story and revealed a lot about him relevant to the issue at hand. The public had a right to see it.
One other bad error of judgement that hasn’t been mentioned yet, was his discussing the health issues and personal circumstances of members of his EMA staff – at least one of whom though not named, could be identified by anyone in the know. What about privacy? I’d be steaming with anger if it was me – and from one of the country’s top employer advocates.
Mountfort has effectively sacked him through the media today. Good call. But there’s a lot of damage control and reputational repair ahead of the EMA.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
is it likely that anyone will complain to the BSA? Thompson would have to be crazy to want that.
Why? Edwards has offered his help. This is exactly what he should do. He should make it an urgent matter as well on the grounds his reputation is in the process of being trashed and urgent attention is needed to get this interview corrected. Of course, his Washington comment is another matter and he’s done for now, cause of that, but this matter should be addressed, pdq.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 3:38 pm
AT called out to Helen Kelly, as she walked away “you’re beautiful you know” .. beer goggles?
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
reid
Any complaint to the BSA would just give more publicity to the affair – Thompson should just crawl away.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
AT called out to Helen Kelly, as she walked away “you’re beautiful you know”
Perhaps Alisdair was thinking if he made it out like it was a compliment then Helen would, as a woman, think everything he had just said was pretty good, after all.
I wonder if she took it like that and who woulda thought the media would ever find out, what with those people there in whose company you just knew nothing untoward would ever happen, in that way…??
mm, his reputation’s over now anyway. He can recover some of it. Not his job, that Washington comment has sealed his fate there. But his reputation can be somewhat remediated and Campbell Live should be heavily fined this time for this is not the first time it has picked and chosen material that presents a warped view of what happened and a national TV station is, sorry, absolutely not allowed to that, ever, to anyone.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
What I would do to Campbell Live were I the BSA and had the power is:
Fine them $250k and make them give it to Thompson.
Make them play the entire 24 minute interview unedited without interruption by ad breaks on Campbell Live’s time slot on whatever is the maximum audience weeknight on two weeknights in a week.
Make them devote any remaining Campbell Live airtime during those two nights to apologising for their lack of journalistic integrity and I’d make them use that specific phrase at least five times a minute.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
reid
Wow, that would make what they did the worst offence in NZ broadcasting history.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Which it is, in the sense of: this isn’t the first time.
This offence is the time to stop the bus, and tell them it won’t be tolerated, any longer.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Orewa, I think you will find that “the way he stood over her, leaned in, and invaded her personal space” was more to do with the camera angle than anything else.
The camera(wo)man was obviously sitting down and shooting up towards the subject which looks like he is standing over the reporter. If the camera was level with Alistair it would have given a totally different aspect.
Was the camera angle intentional?
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Bluegriffon – Was the camera angle intentional?
It can’t have been – AT stood up, walked away, slammed his door, returned, addressed the female reporter venomously as “mate” and then delivered his outburst. No time to set up the shot intentionally. His language and demeanour were consistent.
And the camera operator can have been a woman only if her name was Grant, as recorded earlier in the interview.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
I didn’t want to offend anyone Orewa. Who knows, in these times, Grant could be a girls name. If Lynn can be a boys name and Cameron a girls name, anything is possible.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
This offence is the time to stop the bus, and tell them it won’t be tolerated, any longer.
Further to this, to any TV3 person reading this thread and I hope it’s a lot, the position is:
We know why you did it and we know when you do it and we know why you do it but it is nevertheless not acceptable under any circumstance whatsoever.
IF you value integrity and ethics over temporary rating swings then please cease and desist forthwith.
It’s frankly surprising and somewhat disappointing the issue has ever surfaced.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
reid
I still don’t get it: is anyone alleging that TV3 made something up? did Thompson not say those foolish things?
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Hah, is Milktoast defending that sad little creep Campbell and his podunk operation?
Maybe bringing this to wider attention will kill off that show for good. Campbell’s loss would be significantly greater for the media than Thompson’s loss will be for the business community. Maybe they’ll both work opposite pavements down Hunters Corner. Who would Milktoast pay first?!?
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
@ mikenmild – I suggest you read Brian Edwards’ piece in full. When a lefty such as Edwards accuses a left-sympathetic program me such as Campbell Live of “dishonest journalism”, there’s something amiss.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
So did Thompson not say anything wrong?
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Milktoast is stroking Campbell’s leg in the TV3 bunker and quietly whispering in his ear that his tricks were perfectly fine.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
mikenmild has his eyes closed, and his fingers in his ears.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
‘Tricks’. Ha ha, poor innocent Alisdair deceived by the evil journos.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Inventory2 said: When a lefty such as Edwards accuses a left-sympathetic program me such as Campbell Live of “dishonest journalism”, there’s something amiss.
Nope, it’s totally predictable.
What Edwards is doing by commenting that Thompson was set up and taken down by Campbell Live is saying that Thompson and the EMA were naive and/or incompetent in dealing with the media.
Edwards’s line of business is training people and organisations how to handle the media.
Of COURSE he’s going to be publicly sympathetic towards Thompson. He’s simply saying “Gee, if only his organisation had been paying me to advise them on handling the media all this could have been avoided…”
Edwards is simply taking advantage of the situation to do some marketing for his business.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Now, back on topic with the latest (or chronologically first) fiasco.
So you’re the CEO of the Employers and Manufacturers Association. It’s your job to represent the interests of bosses in negotiations with government and workers’ representatives. A business-friendly National government is in power. Here are some things you probably shouldn’t do, in order:
- insinuate that the Prime Minister has had an affair
- insinuate that the Prime Minister has had an affair with the President of the Council of Trade Unions
- insinuate that the Prime Minister has had an affair with the President of the Council of Trade Unions and tell her about it
- insinuate that the Prime Minister has had an affair with the President of the Council of Trade Unions and tell her about it and tell her that you told the PM about it too
- insinuate that the Prime Minister has had an affair with the President of the Council of Trade Unions and tell her about it and tell her that you asked the PM about it too and do all of this in front of third-party witnesses
- insinuate that the Prime Minister has had an affair with the President of the Council of Trade Unions and tell her about it and tell her that you asked the PM about it too and do all of this in front of third-party witnesses when one of them is a Labour MP
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Perhaps Alisdair will look at media training for his next career, starting tomorrow.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
He is a true prog. I salute him with a tear in my eye.
I agree. The Prime Minister can do much, much better.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Hurf Durf
Yeah, there are none so blind as those who will not see.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
I know, right.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
The person that AT kept asking for assurance from “Joe” was the camera man. His name is not Joe.
Even with the full interview I think most New Zealander’s would agree that while his arguement has some merit, his method and his uncontrollable anger in the last few minutes is unprofessional.
While a badly worded arguement is not grounds for dismissal, I would not want to be represented by that bully.
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
there are none so blind as those who will not see.
Speaking of which mm presumably you’ve read by now the full Edwards piece and have revised your opinion?
While a badly worded arguement is not grounds for dismissal, I would not want to be represented by that bully
Luckily Emma, unless you’re an employer, you’re not. Are you an employer?
Vote:June 26th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
To be fair, Wellington and Auckland EMA are separate. Wellington merged with Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Now know as Employer Chamber of Commerce Central (ECCC).
Vote:June 27th, 2011 at 12:06 am
No, I’m not, but I’m educated and am entitled to a considered opinion.
Vote:June 27th, 2011 at 2:53 am
I am pleased he brought the issue of menstrual leave up. Now we know how women feel about it no union will be foolish enough to ask for it again.
Vote:June 27th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Whats happening here is that Thompson fancies Kelly and is seeking confirmation from Key who he observes seems to be having a relationship with Kelly, although professional. By asking the question of the relationship, Thompson is indicating jealousy, and perhaps a little resentment.
Vote:Tut tut. The hole is getting bigger.
June 27th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Saw a picture this morning of Mrs Key in India and the thing the struck me immediately was how closely she resembles Helen Kelly. In that photo anyway.
Vote:Interesting. She also didn’t look like a happy camper.
June 27th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Herald Online has an article today which says: “In 2010 the difference between men and women’s sick leave in the public sector was just 1.6 days, according to an Official Information Act request made by the Public Service Association.”
Just 1.6 days? There are thousands of women in the public sector, so it means that they are taking thousands more sick days per year than men. Why should that be? Looking after sick kids is covered by domestic leave. So sick leave shouldn’t be impacted by women looking after kids. Overseas research suggests that female productively is negatively affected by menstruation, and that seems to be a plausible explanation, at least partly, for women taking more sick leave in NZ.
Vote:June 27th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
There’s about 37,000 public servants in NZ. Let’s say about half (18,500) are women. That means that in 2010, women took almost 30,000 more sick days than men. I think it’s fair to say that that might have some effect on women’s pay vis-a-vis men’s pay. One problem is that for women who are taking a considerable number of sick days per year, their employer may decide to overlook them for promotion, which of course will effect women’s income and the gender pay gap. That’s a point made by Ichino and Moretti (2006).
Vote:June 27th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
ross
Are you sure that figure did not include looking after sick kids? In most workplaces, there is no separate category of domestic leave.
Vote:June 27th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
ross
I think the evidence is that sick leave may account for a small proportion (about 10%) of the gender pay-gap. According to the OECD, about 30% of the gap is attributable to discrimination.
Vote:June 27th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
> In most workplaces, there is no separate category of domestic leave.
We’re talking about the public sector…there possibly isn’t a separate category in the private sector but I understand there is such a category in the public sector.
The thing to remember is that NZ is not unique. There is a gender pay gap, I suspect, in most (if not all) countries. And I don’t believe there is a conspiracy throughout the world to pay women less. Yes, discrimination is a factor, along with several other factors.
Vote:June 27th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
ross
I agree with all of that. Discrimination remains a factor, but is gradually reducing, and it’s really only a question of what else anyone might propose to do about it. Personally, I can’t think of anything worthwhile, ie that would reduce discrimination without making the employment market even more complicated.
Vote: