Trans-Tasman makes a rare mistake
September 13th, 2012 at 2:00 pm by David FarrarTrans-Tasman this week said:
Given the jockeying for the Speaker’s role inside National, why not offer the post to the man who has got a burning desire to preside over the House, deputy Speaker Ross Robertson? At one stroke, it could strengthen the coalition’s majority. After all, there’s a precedent, when Jim Bolger enticed Labour’s Peter Tapsell to take the Speaker’s chair back in 1993. On the other hand, it might be seen as just a tad too Machiavellian…….
Not machiavellian, just totally ineffective.
Trans-Tasman should know that the Speaker has had a deliberative vote since around 1996, when MMP came in. The party the Speaker comes from has no impact on the Government’s majority in the House.
Related posts:
- The trans-Tasman productivity report
- Trans-Tasman on Economic Future
- Trans-Tasman on Cullen as SOE Chair
- Trans-tasman
September 13th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Actually I was unaware of the change. I suspect a lot of people missed that.
Vote:September 13th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Obviously not written by Ian Templeton!
Vote:September 13th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Perhaps the author is mistaking us with the Australian House of Representatives.
Vote:September 13th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
They should also know that Ross Robertson is not Deputy Speaker.
I think he would be a good choice, however, even though it doesn’t make a difference to the votes.
Vote:September 13th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Just a tad suprised that Eric Roy doesn’t appear to be in the mix. He is afterall the Deputy Speaker and appears to have the respect of the House.
Vote:September 13th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Being a good speaker is about temperament. Margaret Wilson was plainly not fit for purpose though she had the intellect. Of the names mentioned I just do not know who would do. I suspect Eros Roy may not be quick enough on his feet. No doubt Lickwood Smith will have some views on the matter.
Vote:September 13th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Eros Roy?
Perhaps he is seen as too licentious for the role
Vote:September 13th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
It is regrettable that the role has become a consolation prize for expired ministers (even if the choice of Smith on this basis turned out serendipitous). It would be nice to see a decision based on considering who would actually be best at the job.
Vote:September 13th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
s.russell,
I think, perhaps, the reason is not so much the role being seen as a place for outgoing Ministers as it is that it is perceived that there is no role within Govt for a retiring Speaker to go to. So once you take the role, there is no other place to go than retirement.
Vote: