Armstrong on Labour
John Armstrong writes in the NZ Herald:
What were they thinking? Why did four of Labour’s most politically astute MPs – Phil Goff, Annette King, Clayton Cosgrove and Kris Faafoi – not foresee how awful it would look for senior party figures to be seen hobnobbing with SkyCity executives in the company’s corporate box at Ed
Almost a quorum for a caucus meeting!
The consequent perception is that Labour says one thing and does another. And, as oft-stated, perception is everything in politics.
To add further insult to injury, the MPs were fooling no one in lambasting the $400 million-plus project.
At some point, Labour is going to have to shift its position on the convention centre deal away from outright opposition to something more accommodating of the aspirations of the thousands without work in Labour strongholds such as South Auckland who view SkyCity’s latest venture as offering the possibility of a secure job.
It will be fascinating to see their election policy. Will they vow to legislate the deal away without compensation, which would see the convention centre construction stop overnight.
The gains that the party made in the polls earlier this year have largely evaporated. That has been replaced by a discernible sense of drift. David Shearer is once again struggling to gain profile. Sources describe working relationships in the leader’s parliamentary office as “dysfunctional”.
Despite the denials, I have now heard from three independent sources that the decision has been made for staff changes there, and they are actively trying to recruit a replacement.
Some MPs are at cross-purposes over policy. Others – notably Trevor Mallard – are consumed with making mountains out of parliamentary mole-hills. How many times can you stage a walkout from the parliamentary chamber without losing dramatic effect?
As I said, it is now more note-worthy when Mallard doesn’t walk out! And recall this is Labour’s nominee to be Speaker!
The blunt truth is that in terms of activity, innovative ideas, outright attack and all-round impact, the Greens are making Opposition look easy. They are running rings around Labour. They also wisely maintained a degree of perspective regarding Dunne, with Russel Norman this week questioning the value of a privileges committee hearing which is being sought by Labour.
Yep, the Greens did go too far also with talk of Police complaints, but soon wised up and backtracked.
David Shearer’s February reshuffle of his shadow Cabinet has, however, so far failed to create any sense of urgency that might suggest the party actually wants to govern. …
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking ever faster on Shearer.
I think Shearer will survive, because the caucus can no longer just roll him. If they no confidence him, then the leadership goes to a full ballot with the unions and members having the majority of the votes. The outcome of Cunliffe v Robertson is by no means certain.