Clifton on Carter
January 28th, 2013 at 10:00 am by David FarrarJane Clifton writes:
The grandest, steepest ladder in this upheaval which to its ascender feels a lot like a snake, is that extended to outgoing Primary Industries Minister David Carter, who, to make room for the Cabinet “refresh”, has been frogmarched toward the Speaker’s chair.
It is no secret that David enjoyed being a Minister, and especially Primary Industries. And he was well liked and respected in that portfolio. So a few have joked that the traditional (from the days when an angry King might execute a Speaker) reluctance the nominee is expected to show will not be feigned 
It also pays well and ends in a knighthood or damehood if one isn’t a republican. But though several Nats – notably colourful old-timers Maurice Williamson and Tau Henare – would practically auction their grannies for the job, and in Williamson’s case probably do a cracking job, it’s an ill-kept secret that Carter’s first love is primary industries.
I think Maurice has the skills, humour and knowledge to be a good Speaker. However the decision is obviously linked to Cabinet renewal also.
But that is not to say that I think David Carter won’t do well. I recall that many people were skeptical of how Lockwood would do as Speaker, and Lockie was been simply outstanding. In one sense, Lockwood has made it harder for his successors.
He’s also not one of those MPs who has a particular fondness or feeling for Parliament as the endearingly idiosyncratic institution it is. A Speaker needs to be fast on his or her feet, and demonstrably even-handed. Carter is affable, but has always been sharply partisan.
I have to rarely disagree with Jane here. I don’t think David is sharply partisan. Certainly not within 100 miles of Jonathan Hunt and Margaret Wilson.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is specially resistant to the Carter speakership, which, given Winston’s genius for parliamentry disruption, is a combustible state of affairs.
Well that is because he sued Carter for defamation and failed. I don’t see why that should be held against Carter. Peters was no fan of Lockwood also – nursing a grudge because Lockwood beat him for the Kaipara nomination in 1983 or 1984.
Tags: David Carter, Speaker
January 28th, 2013 at 10:17 am
Unless he really likes it, I cannot see David Carter standing again in 2014,
Vote:and if he really hates it, he can always resign as a list MP with out terribly upsetting the Goverment’s apple cart….
January 28th, 2013 at 10:49 am
We will not accept Carter as speaker.
Vote:Prepare now NZ Nat
January 28th, 2013 at 10:51 am
Who’s “we” ?
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 10:57 am
“We” is NZ Nat party active, Carter very compromised. Lookqood, Lockwood was not, front up here NZ Nat , Peters can fuck you hard, get ready for coalition now dreamers.
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:14 am
???
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:15 am
It’s the drink Rodders.
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:17 am
dvm – I guess that pq has had a late night at the Green Parrot.
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:17 am
You need humour to be a good speaker?
Too bad nobody ever told Margaret Wilson….
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:28 am
Rodders
It goes without saying that any organisation with the drunken former mayor and Peters involved will consume a ferocious amount of the demon drink. pq seems to be very committed to toeing this party line. In fact, I understand that it was only a complete misunderstanding on Williams’ part that led him to becoming a list MP. When Peters invited him to join his party, Williams thought he was off for a night out. Imagine his surprise and bewilderment when he sobered up and found himself in Parliament.
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:31 am
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:44 am
It ain’t about refreshing cabinet. Its about shoring up Key as leader.
Vote:The first is patently obvious and the second is what is needed for his support or he will be rolled by the remants and new recruits to the brat pack.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:47 am
oh dear, its always the same, NZ Nat do not understand that we need a coalition.
Vote:I do not understand why they will not see the obvious. It us oK we appreciate their jokes.
You can have a Green party/ Labour coalition smart arse, they just laugh at you as you do me.
I do not go to the party line, I have always said Winston must now make the grade, and we will addvise Superannuants.
Oh dear, have fun Rodders, report here little man, go on wanker
January 28th, 2013 at 11:51 am
… hic …
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:51 am
Agree with Viking above. I have to talk with NZ First. It doesn’t matter what the idiots say.
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:52 am
thats right davinci idiot you are a hic
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:54 am
Bloody hell. What time did you start?
You should hook up with Beryl. The two of you will get on like a house on fire.
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:56 am
I hope Carter will do well as speaker, Lockwood Smith was good, it was funny to watch him,
Vote:lets hope maybe Carter do it,
January 28th, 2013 at 11:57 am
Oh. Knock me down with that Wildean wit
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:58 am
pq – are you living with Phil U?
You seem to communicate like him.
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 11:59 am
10.49 am
11.56 am
That bottle you’re looking for may have rolled under the bed.
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
best another subject I think, Da Vinci idiot
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
thedavincimode (4,373) Says:
January 28th, 2013 at 11:59 am
10.49 am
We will not accept Carter as speaker.
11.56 am
I hope Carter will do well as speaker
That bottle you’re looking for may have rolled under the bed.
Vote:————————
Nope. Behind the Speakers Chair.
January 28th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
V2, you don’t mean …?
Vote:January 28th, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Is there a Scotch minister in the House ?
Vote:Winston needs a buddy.