Polling inertia
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 2:25 PM | Permalink
A lack of movement in recent polls has some speculating National's attacks on David Benson-Pope and David Parker have had nil affect. Meanwhile Labour has refocused as illustrated by Chris Carter's quick action on news Housing New Zealand was paying hush money to potential whistleblowers.
More realistically, the polls haven't moved because people aren't interested. There may be a catch-up when people re-engage with politics later in the year.
However, it proves another rule of politics: people vote with their back pocket. Despite the economy probably experiencing a technical recession, it has yet to lead to large scale job losses which is when voters really take notice.
More realistically, the polls haven't moved because people aren't interested. There may be a catch-up when people re-engage with politics later in the year.
However, it proves another rule of politics: people vote with their back pocket. Despite the economy probably experiencing a technical recession, it has yet to lead to large scale job losses which is when voters really take notice.
King's misplaced police priorities
Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 2:09 PM | Permalink
Last week police in Christchurch monitored an inner-city intersection and handed out $150 fines for traffic turning into the wrong lane on a four-lane road. Whilst against the road code, stunts like this does nothing to increase public confidence in the police - especially following stories like this one where police did not act against a tinny house despite complaints.
It is up to Annette King to set strategic priorities for the police, it is time non-life threatening traffic misdemeanours were ranked below suburban drug supermarkets.
It is up to Annette King to set strategic priorities for the police, it is time non-life threatening traffic misdemeanours were ranked below suburban drug supermarkets.
Growing rift between Clark & Cullen
Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 at 8:02 AM | Permalink
Starting with the weekend interview in which Helen Clark notably avoided expressing unlimited confidence in her deputy Michael Cullen, there now appears a rift between the two.
Cullen took over two days to respond to her comments when a simple "I'm happy" would have sufficed. Vernon Small's story in Wednesday's Dom Post included this insight:
It is understood Dr Cullen was annoyed by her comments and the two met on Monday to clear the air.
Asked why he had not talked to the media on Monday, Dr Cullen said: "I was just waiting for certain matters to be clarified.
Why did this require a meeting? What needed clarification?
Later in the week the two were again on separate song sheets regarding the budget. In Vernon Small's thursday article he wrote:
... Michael Cullen has been studiously talking down the May 18 document.
... Prime Minister Helen Clark has hinted at some important nuggets yet to be uncovered. (She is clearly aware that the demand for news cannot sustain a vacuum and that the good doctor's claim to produce a procession of boring Budgets is wearing thin.)
An inability to correctly manage expectations was the problem with last year's chewing gum budget which seriously dented Cullen's reputation. He must be fumming with Clark's 'big dark secret' comments.
Cullen took over two days to respond to her comments when a simple "I'm happy" would have sufficed. Vernon Small's story in Wednesday's Dom Post included this insight:
It is understood Dr Cullen was annoyed by her comments and the two met on Monday to clear the air.
Asked why he had not talked to the media on Monday, Dr Cullen said: "I was just waiting for certain matters to be clarified.
Why did this require a meeting? What needed clarification?
Later in the week the two were again on separate song sheets regarding the budget. In Vernon Small's thursday article he wrote:
... Michael Cullen has been studiously talking down the May 18 document.
... Prime Minister Helen Clark has hinted at some important nuggets yet to be uncovered. (She is clearly aware that the demand for news cannot sustain a vacuum and that the good doctor's claim to produce a procession of boring Budgets is wearing thin.)
An inability to correctly manage expectations was the problem with last year's chewing gum budget which seriously dented Cullen's reputation. He must be fumming with Clark's 'big dark secret' comments.
Winston the poodle
Posted on at 7:38 AM | Permalink
So after years of daily attacks on successive Immigration Minister for all sorts of immagined incompetence, yesterday Winston Peters asked a patsy to Immigration Minister David Cunliffe.
Remember Peters still hasn't apologised to the two Iraqi refugees he defamed by claiming they were members of Sadam Hussein's Republican Guard.
During Question Time Peters is now the government's biggest supporter, often rescueing struggling ministers even when their own party wont eg. David Benson-Pope.
Remember Peters still hasn't apologised to the two Iraqi refugees he defamed by claiming they were members of Sadam Hussein's Republican Guard.
During Question Time Peters is now the government's biggest supporter, often rescueing struggling ministers even when their own party wont eg. David Benson-Pope.
Companies Office talks to Clark
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 10:14 AM | Permalink
Helen Clark is donkey deep meddling in the 'independent' investigation of former cabinet minister David Parker. It appears the Companies Office is looking at letting Parker off because as a bankrupt, Hyslop had no rights as a shareholder. Remember though, the real issue is Parker's inappropriate behaviour as Hyslop's lawyer and the sting will come from the Law Society.
Clark hints at Cullen retirement
Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2006 at 9:22 AM | Permalink
Helen Clark has ensured the media got a 24-hour binge of Michael Cullen retirement speculation.
Clark in Saturday's Listener:
He is certainly delivering this [budget] and I expect he will deliver the one after that. It very much depends on where he wants to take his life. He may very well deliver the 2008 Budget.
Um, well, he won't stay forever. Forever doesn't rule (out) running the whole three years in the job.
Clark on Monday on Newstalk ZB:
Michael Cullen is now in his early 60s and he, like all of us, will be thinking, 'What will I do next?'
Clark during Monday's post-cabinet presser:
He has served me extremely well as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, and if I can encourage him to stay as long as possible, I will.
Clark in Saturday's Listener:
He is certainly delivering this [budget] and I expect he will deliver the one after that. It very much depends on where he wants to take his life. He may very well deliver the 2008 Budget.
Um, well, he won't stay forever. Forever doesn't rule (out) running the whole three years in the job.
Clark on Monday on Newstalk ZB:
Michael Cullen is now in his early 60s and he, like all of us, will be thinking, 'What will I do next?'
Clark during Monday's post-cabinet presser:
He has served me extremely well as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, and if I can encourage him to stay as long as possible, I will.
