Comments on: Latest poll

By: Cato

Cato — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:30:49 +0000

I don’t think I’m deranged or afflicted and I wouldn’t categorise National as being on the right – in absolute terms. The National Party agrees with many social democratic assumptions and disagrees with many conservative principles (enduring moral order, adherence to custom and tradition, prescrition and continuity).

As a conservative myself, however, I recognise that Nation is on the right relative to the political centre of the New Zealand demos – and is about as good a Government as one can expect New Zealanders to consent to.

Conservatives would do well to stop attacking politicians and recognise that they are just guided by the culture. You need to establish the conditions under which it is “politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing” as Milton Freidman said.

By: Monique Watson

Monique Watson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:55:14 +0000

I wouldn’t count on it thankfully, Sir C. The older people get the more right wing their beliefs. Two big aging population bubbles should skew the voting Right. The question is whether anyone with a real vision for NZ will pop up in the porridge. Ryall and English are bean counters typical if that generation. A safe pair of hands, sure but no master plan.

By: Sir Cullen's Sidekick

Sir Cullen's Sidekick — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:48:29 +0000

At the end of the day, come 2014, due to the quirks of MMP, Shearer, Winnie, Norman and Hone combination will be in power. None of these polls matter. Shearer knows this and that is why he has that stupid grin on his face all the time and Norman is talking about cabinet positions. Folks NZ is for a bad period from 2014 to 2023 when finally National will make a reappearance.

By: bhudson

bhudson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:25:49 +0000

@gazzmaniac,

My bad. I should have used the /sarc tag

By: krazykiwi

krazykiwi — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:13:38 +0000

The size of the state, and the influence that the state has on the lives of New Zealand has increased throughout National’s period of governance.

I regard that as evidence of National being left wing. Centre left to be sure, but definitely not right wing.

By: Pete George

Pete George — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:10:36 +0000

Monique, depends on the circumstances, it’s a complex issue. I strongly support fathers financially supporting their children – and playing significant role in their lives. I wouldn’t be too quick forgiving those who have deliberately avoided their responsibilities.

Regardless of the arguments David Cunliffe gave a rousing speech in parliament on this, as good as they get. There was a comment of “what a waste” from the Government bench at the conclusion – presumed to mean what a waste of talent. The Labour benches where virtually deserted.

By: Monique Watson

Monique Watson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:00:32 +0000

The good folk at The Standard are the ones claiming that Shearer is a right wing neolib. They turn puce at the thought of National due to the perceived right leanings of the National Party. Heaven only knows why as apart from the founding belief of individual responsibility instead of the collective responsibility pitched by the Aotearoa Socialist Parties.
But I couldn’t point to which right wing policies define National as a right wing party. Not even beneficiary and student bashing defines National anymore as they appear to be going soft on Child Support which gives a rather conflicting message.
Pete? What say you? What happens to the Dads with shitloads of debt? Is it forgiven?

By: bringbackdemocracy

bringbackdemocracy — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:57:58 +0000

The gap between NZ First and the Conservatives is narrowing. NZ First 3.0% -1.0 and Conservatives 2.0% steady.
Similar result to the Fairfax poll which showed NZ First 2.8% -1.0 and Conservatives 1.6% +0.2

By: David Farrar

David Farrar — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:20:49 +0000

Pete George – those who claim Labour is right wing and those who claim National is left wing share a common affliction.

By: Pete George

Pete George — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:11:14 +0000

Yes Harriet. Ditto for those claiming National is ‘left’ (or not ‘right).

By: Harriet

Harriet — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:19:23 +0000

“….I could find plenty of comments claiming Shearer and Labour are right wing neolibs….”

…..and not one of them would be based on a single solitary fact, nor logic, commonsense, or an ideaological basis. But rather, propaganda by the shipload.

There. Finished that for you Pete.

By: Pete George

Pete George — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:47:47 +0000

Funny krazykiwi – I could find plenty of comments claiming Shearer and Labour are right wing neolibs.

By: gazzmaniac

gazzmaniac — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:49:13 +0000

bhudson – probably not, since the poll would have been taken over the last two weeks and Chauvel resigned two days ago.

By: krazykiwi

krazykiwi — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:57:00 +0000

The centre-left have dropped 6%

Nonsense. National +3.5% and Labour -4% meaning the centre-left has dropped 0.5%. Unless one clings to the quaint notion that there’s something ‘right’ about National

By: bhudson

bhudson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:17:21 +0000

Pure coincidence that they dropped so steeply just as Charles Chauvel resigned???