However factions, destructive as they are, often feed on themselves without realising. What we are seeing is a settled Government and a factional opposition. In the sense of metaphor there are traitors in the camp who think they are invisible to the public and not having creating an image of showing an unsettled party 2 years out from an election.

And I’m seeing MSM, a significant number of bloggers and a more significant number of blog commenters staring openly at the obvious – Shearer is not up to leading Labour out of their mess.

Like him or not the least risky option is to have Cunliffe leading, and retain Robertson as deputy for continuity and bridging the faction divide.

But I wouldn’t bank on Labour to do what’s sensible and logical – and virtually essential. They have been more inclined to keep repeating mistakes.

Some denials that could be open to interpretation:

Deputy leader Mr Robertson said he had no intention of challenging Mr Shearer and dismissed the criticism, saying Labour was doing well and closing the gap with National.

“I’m backing David 100 per cent.”

David Cunliffe, who lost in the leadership contest against Mr Shearer last year and was perceived to have more support among the members, said Mr Shearer had his support as leader. Asked if he would run for the leadership again he said,”Crikey dick – I haven’t crossed that bridge at all. I am very clear that our leader has my support.”

He said Labour had a lot of “weighty matters” to get through, including a modernisation process.

From Shearer plays down leadership row - denial?

Mr Shearer said the spate of calls consisted of “a small circle of bloggers feeding off each other and I’m surprised the media is taking it seriously. It’s nonsense.”

He said Labour had halved the gap in the polls between Labour and National since the last election.

That is fobbing off – or totally out of touch with reality.

God defend NZ against a coalition of socialists and Luddites in 2014. A distinct possibility if the National Party doesn’t wake up.

After intense pressure and speculation in media reports and across policitical blogs it will announced this week that David Shearer will step down as leader of the Labour Party. It is expected he will be given the Education spokesmanship and will be an important member of Labour’s front bench.

David Cunliffe will take over as leader of Labour. It is acknowledged that he isn’t popular with everyone but the Labour caucus has finally accepted that they need to work together with a common purpose and end their factional division. Cunliffe will retain his Economic Development role.

Grant Robertson will remain as deputy leader. This is to retain some continuity and experience in the leadership of the party and help bridge the factional divide.

More speculation.

To me, Robertson doesn’t resonate outside of the beltway (and not that this is about Robertson becoming Leader anymore – but even if he did those outside the beltway would either think “Grant who?” or have issues with his Helen Mk2 agendas).

Cunliffe, would make a better attack dog (compared to passive-agressive background maneovering Robertson) and back up the smile and waving Shearer.

It would seem more effective from my perspective …

…he kinda reminds me of ‘good ol’ Gill’ off The Simpsons trying to pick himself up after yet another failure.

+1 internets to you, sir.

Heck – if Labour manage to somehow snatch a win in 2014, **surely** they will only be in for one term? It would be utter chaos! There is no-one on the left with an iron fist to keep them in control.
If they did get in, I would not be surprised to see **another** Labour leadership challenge before the 2017 election – they are *that* nervous.

I suggest PEB’s mother might well vote for Shane Jones, but there is bugger all chance she’ll get the opportunity.

Unless it’s for NZ First maybe…

She was ’Minister for Everything’ and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of every portfolio.

Edwards confirms what everyone perceived. Klerk was a control freak and trusted no one (Herr Dokter excepted perhaps) to do their jobs properly. Stark contrast to Key’s corporate model.

The cloying embrace of her Ministers was enjoyed at Joe Bloggs level too.

So how would Klerk’s ministers have performed under the Key model? Looking at them in opposition, it would have been very funny. And the silver lining in the black cloud of a Liarwhore gummint is that unlike Klerk, neither Mr Invisible or Cunners will be able to control them.

With Cunliffe all you get is the supercilliousness and smarmyness but he has no talent behind to do anything.

Ergo ,Labour are rooted for another term at least. Their only option is to drop the working man tag and come out totally as the party of the inner city liberal and stop pretending they give a fuck about the inner city poor who are used only for photo op’s and dragged out on election day.

Having just spoken with my mother I can assure you they have lost the traditional labour voter i.e people who have supported them since the 1950′s but now believe they have nothing to offer them.