A worker’s voice

Written By: - Date published: 11:43 am, July 25th, 2014 - 10 comments
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The Standard promotes itself as the voice of the New Zealand labour movement. We certainly heard one such voice in Parliament last night, with Darien Fenton’s powerful valedictory speech, followed by the waiata “There is power in the union” from the Speaker’s Gallery. Darien was inspiring: her speech is  well worth a read or a look.

“I also found inspiration in the union movement where my rebellious heart could be turned towards something real and meaningful. I owe the labour movement everything.  They made room for me in a cause that has never been more important than it is today.” Amen to that

 

10 comments on “A worker’s voice ”

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  1. adam 1
    25 July 2014 at 11:46 am

    My only criticism was, why did she save the best for last? And I particularly liked her call to end the war on drugs, it has proven to be just as a racist in it’s implementation in NZ, as in the states.

  2. mickysavage 2
    25 July 2014 at 1:11 pm

    I have always admired Darien’s committment to the Trade Union movement. No matter what the issue was in Parliament she could be expected to stand up and advocate strongly for worker’s interests.

    I am sure that this is not a retirement just a change in the way that she shows her commitment.

    Kia kaha Darien.

  3. blue leopard 3
    25 July 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Darien’s speech was a devastating reminder of how socially mobile New Zealand used to be.

    I enjoyed hearing a lot of the speeches – from both sides of the house. What a pity there isn’t more of the good faith shown across the house that was displayed in those speeches.

    I particularly enjoyed Mr Rajen Prasad’s speech. It was enlightening to hear what an additional workload an ethnic [Asian] politician has. Mr Prasad was the first politician I noticed after I started watching Parliament Channel because of the tone of his speeches on the subject of poverty, inequality and the farce of our economic system in this regard. I enjoyed Mr Prasad’s speeches because he spoke out passionately and clearly for the interests of the poor and at a time when some members of Labour still appeared to think it acceptable to use welfare recipients as a political football. I am, thus, disappointed to see him go.

    Thanks for all your work Mr Prasad, thanks for speaking out for us. Best wishes for the future to you and your family.

  4. phillip ure 4
    25 July 2014 at 2:20 pm

    that was a good speech..

  5. Harry 5
    25 July 2014 at 3:57 pm

    Nice to hear of an MP calling for an end to the war on drugs. Has she ever spoken out against it before now? As for Prasad – a diehard drug warrior – good riddance.

    “Labour’s policy is not to decriminalise cannabis.” – David Cunliffe. Supporting the war on drugs in brain dead fashion, just like every other party in Parliament. No wonder people don’t bother to vote.

  6. Chooky 6
    25 July 2014 at 6:06 pm

    Very good speech…a real New Zealander…reminds me of Sonja Davies…it is a pity she is not staying on…and in fact why is she going?

  7. Saarbo 7
    25 July 2014 at 7:26 pm

    Excellent speech!

  8. Richard McGrath 8
    28 July 2014 at 8:53 pm

    For what it’s worth, I agree with her sentiments on the War on Drugs but would take it further – completely legalise all drugs NOW.

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