Charles’ valedictory

104 comments on “Charles’ valedictory ”

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1. mickysavage 1

   27 February 2013 at 8:27 pm

   Yep Charles will be missed. He was one of the few who could be given a bill understand the implications and organise a proper response. His particular skills were quite unique and he was always in demand.
   • IrishBill 1.1

     27 February 2013 at 8:38 pm

     I’m pleased he called for Phil and Trevor to go (10’50”) it’s about time someone from caucus came out and said that.
     • Anne 1.1.1

       27 February 2013 at 8:46 pm

       Oh well said Charles Chauval. His so sound advice starts… at 10:40mins. Will commonsense finally prevail? Fingers crossed.
       • wobble 1.1.1.1

         27 February 2013 at 8:48 pm

         A transcription for those who can’t view the video….

         “It’s unproductive to keep trying to locate and exclude the supposed enemy within.

         Instead in order to avoid history repeating it’s time for an honest, open, and overdue assessment of the 2011 election campaign produced Labour’s worst ever electoral result.

         Those responsible for it should make dignified exits, and all the undoubted talent and diversity of the caucus should be included in the shadow cabinet.

         To put it in another way, in Gough Whitlam’s immortal words “the party must have both its wings to fly”.
         • xtasy 1.1.1.1.1

           27 February 2013 at 9:00 pm

           yep!
         • karol 1.1.1.1.2

           27 February 2013 at 9:14 pm

           Yep. And said with calm grace.
         • Mary 1.1.1.1.3

           27 February 2013 at 10:53 pm

           But if one of those wing’s useless because it’s full of dirt and grime and grease then you need to clean and trim it so it’s able to properly regrow and regain its strength.
       • tc 1.1.1.2

         27 February 2013 at 11:31 pm

         Common sense and doing what’s right isn’t in the old guards vocabulary, like has been out of date management teams a full clear out is required by the shareholders as they aint doing it themselves.
         • Mary 1.1.1.2.1

           28 February 2013 at 9:42 am

           Here’s one for DB Breweries:

           “I’m really confident now Annette’s back that Labour can regain its status as a caring party rebuilt on traditional left-wing principles that put people before profits.”
     • Socialist Paddy 1.1.2

       27 February 2013 at 9:52 pm

       it’s about time someone from caucus came out and said that

       Aye but it is sad that an MP only feels that he can say this publicly in his valedictory speech.

       What is going on?

       Why are very good MPs like Lianne Dalziel being demoted and Louisa Wall being ignored because they are on the “wrong side”.

       It is up to the members to get their party back. It has been done before. It is time to do it again.
     • burt 1.1.3

       28 February 2013 at 8:28 am

       IrishBill

       I’m pleased he called for Phil and Trevor to go (10’50″) it’s about time someone from caucus came out and said that.

       Yep, that’s the truth…
     • Tom Gould 1.1.4

       28 February 2013 at 9:33 am

       How ironic that Charles calls for inclusion and the first out of the blocks finger people for execution.
       • aerobubble 1.1.4.1

         28 February 2013 at 11:16 am

         English moves to have mortgages put 20% up front, how ironic. And the silence from Labour, when the mortgage deposit was lowered due to wages failing to keep up with home ownership aspirations, does that mean Labour is out in front demanding wages now rise? No, that’s the Greens job. What does Labour stand for? More Phil and Trevor, of course.
2. hush minx 2

   27 February 2013 at 8:47 pm

   A fine and thoughtful speech. I noted there were some less than happy looks on the faces of the front bench at the end. He has set them a challenge that they have failed so far. Now is the time for them to step up, but it’s come at the cost of a good mp who understood the best of what labor can be.
3. Anne 3

   27 February 2013 at 8:51 pm

   I noted Moana Mackey and Lianne Dalziell appeared not too far from tears. Two equally fine and intelligent MPs who paid a price for supporting David Cunliffe.
   • Anne 3.1

     27 February 2013 at 8:58 pm

     My apologies. It’s Dalziel.

     An edit, an edit, our kingdom for an edit. 😈

     [lprent: Working on it. I suspect that if I turn off the RSS aggregator that it will start working. ]
   • George D 3.2

     27 February 2013 at 9:25 pm

     They’re both talented, and we can’t afford not to have them utilised. I hope sense prevails soon.
4. xtasy 4

   27 February 2013 at 8:57 pm

   Two wings of Labour to come together, aye? I would hope and dream, but cannot see it.

   I also note the clear criticism of the media in NZ, and it is hitting and totally correct.

   Yes, while Europe is no longer that influential in this part of the world, it is still to many a beacon of hope, when it comes to democracy, the rule of law and offering people a better life, despite of all the drama the mainly Mediterranean member countries of the Euro Zone have to go through.

   What else is there to choose from? US, China, India, Japan and various other countries not coming close to a humane, democratic and at least attempted fair society as in much of Europe.

   NZ must think carefully and smartly, and not become a peasant nation under adverse influences. I congratulate Charles Chauvel, he will be a loss for Labour, for sure. A smart and sound legal mind with experience always helps.
5. wobble 5

   27 February 2013 at 9:01 pm

   Yep. Sad to see Charles go. He’s got good principles and a sharp mind.

   Don’t blame him though. It sounds like caucus isn’t the most fun place in the world to be.
6. AsleepWhileWalking 6

   27 February 2013 at 9:19 pm

   Wise words from a smart man.
7. Ad 7

   27 February 2013 at 9:26 pm

   with all the couldas and the shouldas and other counterfactuals that run through the mind with that, it kind of makes for a melancholy evening.
8. KhandallaViper 8

   27 February 2013 at 9:29 pm

   A sad day for the New Zealand Labour Party.

   And so Aneeeeete, Treev, whatsitsname from further up the Hutt (the anger management boy), Grant (came third to the Greens in Wellington Central) and the hangers-on will have a few from the top shelf to “mark the occassion”.
   Shearer will…of course say nothing genuine…and wonder what the top shelf is.
   • outofbed 8.1

     28 February 2013 at 9:06 am

     Yes he sure came third in Welly central on party vote.
     Maybe he should stop splitting the left vote inWC in the electorate vote and not run next time 🙂
     James Shaw of the Greens would be a fine electorate MP IMHO
     • alex 8.1.1

       1 March 2013 at 12:27 am

       He would make a good electorate MP, though might not be able to beat whichever stuffed shirt the Nats put up simply because he is a Green.
9. Craig Glen viper 9

   27 February 2013 at 9:33 pm

   Sad to see Charles go, Labour actually can’t afford to loose him because sadly this caucus is lacking Mps of his calibre. I can’t say I blame him for leaving though working in a caucus were people leak to the media and the so called senior whip defames an MP because it suits their own purpose must be pretty shit.
   All the best with the new job.
10. pollywog 10

    27 February 2013 at 9:40 pm

    Chur chur Charles.

    Ballsy speech. Hopefully you’ll be back when Shearer gets rolled and Cunliffe is running tings proper!
11. KhandallaViper 11

    27 February 2013 at 9:47 pm

    When I think of what the biggest issue is for New Zealand, I think “Hollowing Out” of the economy and society.

    When I see a young talent like Charles pushed out by Shearer, I think “Hollowing Out” of the Labour Party.

    I’m sad and angry. What a ******* stupid stupid ignorant waste.

    ref “young”: Shearer was born in July ’57. Charles was born in April ’69.
    • Ad 11.1

      27 February 2013 at 10:17 pm

      +1 Khandallah.

      One could easily see more of them leaving as well.
12. KhandallaViper 12

    27 February 2013 at 9:51 pm

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Chauvel_(politician)

    here is some bio on Charles
13. George D 13

    27 February 2013 at 10:07 pm

    That was a very direct claim he made about Farrarblog and SlaterOil.
    • Ad 13.1

      27 February 2013 at 10:16 pm

      …which could hardly be said by National about The Standard and its relation to either Labour or the Greens…

      Hopefully TheDailyBlog goes just a tiny way to filling the space he wanted formed within the media.
    • lprent 13.2

      27 February 2013 at 10:42 pm

      What was it? I’m a bit short of time looking at javascript conflicts to watch the video.

      Never mind. I can probably find the transcript…
      • Ad 13.2.1

        27 February 2013 at 11:09 pm

        He said roughly that Whaleoiland Kiwibog act as mouthpieces for National and are fed information straight from Ministers’ offices.
        • lprent 13.2.1.1

          27 February 2013 at 11:22 pm

          Yep… Just through on the feed. http://www.labour.org.nz/news/valedictory-speech

          Institutions beyond government need strengthening too. Democracy requires a free, well-resourced, unbiased fourth estate. Journalists working in much of our undercapitalized, foreign-owned media are under constant professional pressure. This comes from many quarters, including the constant need to sell newspapers and airtime, and to compete with instantly available online sources. In the case of the two better-known right wing blogs, those online sources are proxies for the present government, with much copy supplied directly out of ministers’ offices at taxpayers’ expense. A general dumbing down, but more importantly a loss of independence, have been among the inevitable results.

          Ummm…
          • Pete 13.2.1.1.1

            28 February 2013 at 1:06 am

            But nobody reads blogs…

            Thank you Charles and good luck.
          • One Tāne Huna 13.2.1.1.2

            28 February 2013 at 7:48 am

            Discuss. 😀
            • lprent 13.2.1.1.2.1

              28 February 2013 at 9:03 am

              You may think that, however I couldn’t possibly comment….
              😈

              Actually I think I will. But after I see the last night’s code burnt on the first 10 boxes out of the door.
14. Anne 14

    27 February 2013 at 10:17 pm

    Wry humour:

    Two posts have appeared today on Red Alert. 1st @ 3:48pm, 2nd @ 9:41pm. Nothing re-Charles Chauval speech. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that site run by Curran and Mallard – with a bit of help from Robertson?

    To be fair if you dig far enough you’ll find it on Labour’s web site.
15. saarbo 15

    27 February 2013 at 10:22 pm

    Labour currently have several problems, one of them is a real lack of talent in caucus. Chauvel was one of the members Labour needed to keep, a very clever straight shooter.

    It is probably too late for decent clean out and full re structure of Labour now, it will happen when they lose in 2014.
    • saarbo 15.1

      27 February 2013 at 10:23 pm

      By the way, that is not my wish, it is my prediction.
16. Tim 16

    27 February 2013 at 10:23 pm

    +13
    All of the above.
    What stands out for me is the Wiki ref provided by Khandallah Viper in which they quote him thus:
    “…… but I do want to be there for a period of time such as I can get some things done, and leave feeling that I have achieved something.”
    I sincerely hope Charles knows he has achieved something but I suspect it was not as much as he would have wished.
    Comes a time though when pushing shit uphill is a waste of life and one can be more productive elsewhere – even if hopefully at some stage he will be able to return and complete his ‘vision’ (erk – pardon the vision bit).
17. paul 17

    27 February 2013 at 10:47 pm

    He was on track to roll the cockatoo in Ohariu too.
18. Naki nark 18

    27 February 2013 at 10:57 pm

    Trevor Mallard was campaign manager. Maybe Trevor is what Charles was speaking about.

    But instead of thinking about it Trevor went on Twitter and said ‘My decision to seek Hutt South nomination just reinforced’ after the speech.

    I think that Trevor is very bad for Labour. He makes me cring when he says point of order point or order point of order.Trevor has been the MP for so long that may be he has lost the grip on reality like Chris Carter did.

    I am very angry because Labour is not about one person Trevor!

    https://twitter.com/TrevorMallard/status/306629099105943552
    • mickysavage 18.1

      27 February 2013 at 11:21 pm

      Utterly disgusting behaviour by Mallard.
    • Blue 18.2

      27 February 2013 at 11:29 pm

      He can seek the nomination. But I hope every person who is willing and able fights like hell to make sure he loses.
      • gobsmacked 18.2.1

        27 February 2013 at 11:49 pm

        And this is exactly why Labour are getting it so wrong.

        I’m not an insider, a rune-reader, so I don’t really know what Mallard’s tweet means (sure, I can guess, but that’s all). What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.

        Labour would have been SO much better off having open debates, contests of ideas, and ultimately, a resolution. Instead they’ve got a holy fu**ing mess. And it won’t be solved by purges.
        • lurgee 18.2.1.1

          28 February 2013 at 12:36 am

          ‘What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.’

          Bit like you see on this thread, you mean “Everyone unite … against Shearer!”
        • lurgee 18.2.1.2

          28 February 2013 at 12:37 am

          ‘What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.’

          Bit like you see on this thread, you mean? “Everyone unite … against Shearer!”
          • gobsmacked 18.2.1.2.1

            28 February 2013 at 12:52 am

            No. Not a bit like you see on this thread.

            People who don’t think much of Shearer say things like “I don’t think much of Shearer”. See?

            I don’t like Mallard, I think he should leave Parliament. This would help Labour.

            See? Not hard.
        • Colonial Viper 18.2.1.3

          28 February 2013 at 12:44 am

          Labour would have been SO much better off having open debates, contests of ideas, and ultimately, a resolution. Instead they’ve got a holy fu**ing mess. And it won’t be solved by purges.

          The funny thing is, the For Free political advisors here on The Standard advised the Labour caucus on this very strongly for the last several months.

          And, we are being proven right.
          • felixviper 18.2.1.3.1

            28 February 2013 at 8:26 am

            *Years*

            Advised the Labour caucus on this very strongly for the last several *years*.
    • Rhinocrates 18.3

      28 February 2013 at 6:57 am

      Christ, what an utter prick.
19. hush minx 19

    27 February 2013 at 11:06 pm

    I would have hoped he could have responded with a bit more grace and generosity than that, but then again it is Trevor! He never really has accounted for the poor performance of the last election. Mind you, Grant hasn’t either.
20. Hami Shearlie 20

    27 February 2013 at 11:20 pm

    Great speech! And I was happy to hear what he very bluntly, but politely, said about the “ABC” brigade! As my Irish father used to say “He didn’t miss them and hit the wall!” Let’s hope the membership on hearing his speech ( and of course, hearing the main reason he is leaving – i.e. the ABC blockade) put pressure on that group to put the party and the people of NZ first – or GET OUT!!
21. Olwyn 21

    27 February 2013 at 11:27 pm

    It is very sad to think that he is now lost to us; he is so smart and clear-eyed. At the same time it is a relief to hear someone from inside the Labour caucus say what he has said, without rancour, in a time and place where no one could shout “crisis” and run to shut him down. I wish you all the best in your new role Charles.
22. tc 22

    27 February 2013 at 11:28 pm

    The Hollowmen are pissing themselves at how easy this all is, they got hoots helping the Mallarfia to run labour the way they want, fine MP’s like Charles departing, DC where they want him (out of their way) and no end of MSM flunkeys and bloggers to help with the spin.
    • the pigman 22.1

      28 February 2013 at 12:25 am

      … yep, I think Trevor Mallard has earned himself a case of Don Perignon from Hooters this year.
    • Rhinocrates 22.2

      28 February 2013 at 7:06 am

      They – Mallard, Shearer et al – are hollow men themselves.
    • saarbo 22.3

      28 February 2013 at 7:24 am

      +1.
23. One Tāne Huna 23

    28 February 2013 at 8:08 am

    Toxic Trevor does his best to steal the show (what a tool), but Chauvel’s speech provides much food for thought.

    “It’s time for an entrenched Bill of Rights and a constitution, including provisions that accord the Treaty of Waitangi appropriate status. Parliamentary procedure needs further reform, including rationalising the number of select committees, and increasing their powers. Our public watchdogs need proper powers and resources. The judicial branch’s independence needs to be safeguarded…

    It’s time for the re-establishment of a strong, independent, well-resourced, multimedia public broadcaster in New Zealand…”

    I don’t really follow the antics of DPF and Mr. Oil, but I’m not sure the National Party wants to be so overtly connected with them 🙂

    And of course the remarks about the Labour caucus, the truth of which Mallard was kind enough to illustrate.
24. Rhinocrates 24

    28 February 2013 at 8:27 am

    What a sad state a once-great party is in, a party I loyally voted for in every election.

    Look at the lineup:

    Mumblefuck – he might be mumble fuck.. or fuckmumble or mumble, I mean fuck, er…

    Goff and King – backstabbers and throwbacks from the 80s who were loyal Brides of Our Blessed Lord Roger Christ.

    Hipkins – a smug little fink of the sort that used to be called a yuppie.

    Robertson – a third-place loser in Wellington Central, a lazy, condescending, dull second-rate Machiavelli wannabe.

    Curran – a bully and blackmailer with an IQ so low the only thing you can do with her is put her in a pot and make sure that she gets watered regularly.

    Sio – AWOL on his employment portfolio, but happily campaigning for bigotry

    O’Connor – another bigot

    Mallard… who’s Mallard – no adjectives or metaphors are necessary.

    Deadwood, all of them. Meanwhile…

    Ignored or exiled: Lianne Dalziel, Louisa Wall, David Cunliffe.

    Driven out: Charles Chauvel.
    • Rogue Trooper 24.1

      28 February 2013 at 3:09 pm

      still got it Potsie
25. Jane 25

    28 February 2013 at 8:28 am

    Mallard is a toxic influence that needs to be amputated and purged. Everything about him is a disaster, the stupid tweets, the dumb distracting points of order, worst election result in many years, I used to respect him but that was a long time ago and he just must get out now, passed it and distructive. Can someone please find him a job at the UN soon!!
    • Rhinocrates 25.1

      28 February 2013 at 8:31 am

      Clearing minefields on a pogo stick would be a good job.
    • just saying 25.2

      28 February 2013 at 9:19 am

      Tea-Party (clever-)Trevor responds to his critics:

      Just cos I ain’t never said, no, nothing worth saying
      never ever, never ever, never ever
      things ‘ave got read into what I never sad, ’till me mouth becomes me ‘ead
      which ain’t not all that clever
      and it’s not not saying one thing nor another
      neither, either is ist anything I haven’t said, whatever
      and it ain’t not proving that me mind ain’t moving
      and I answer to the naem of Trever, however

      knock me down with a feather
      Clever Trevor
      widebrows wonder wether Clever Trevor’s clever
      either have they got
      nor neither haven’t not
      got no right to make a clot
      our of Trevor
      • Rogue Trooper 25.2.1

        28 February 2013 at 3:14 pm

        and The Tea Party
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT_vF9yzJUo
        sleighted
26. DavidW 26

    28 February 2013 at 8:51 am

    What a hell of a way to rip the scab of a long festering wound that was supposedly starting to heal (a bit). A major throwing of toys from the safety of the cot with no regard to the broken toys and broken windows that will inevitable result in the playroom.

    A spray of bile of this magnitude from a weasel running away because he was told that he wouldn’t get the lollipop he wanted can only have one outcome. Those left will definitely have cause to ponder their futures (or lack thereof) and, quite apart from the fact that Parliament will undoubtedly be a better place for his absence, some of real talent will be considering how much of their lives they are prepared to waste while being kept behind the scenes and away from important things like policy formation and party rejuvenation.

    Way to go Chucky!!
    • quartz 26.1

      28 February 2013 at 9:14 am

      Hi Chippie.
    • One Tāne Huna 26.2

      28 February 2013 at 9:20 am

      It would really suck if it turned out that “DavidW” was in some way connected to the Labour caucus. The last thin Labour needs is this kind of spiteful negativity.
      • DavidW 26.2.1

        28 February 2013 at 9:39 am

        It might suck OTH but you really wouldn’t be surprised now, would you?
    • felixviper 26.3

      28 February 2013 at 9:20 am

      This is the start of the healing, DavidW.

      You are the scab.
      • DavidW 26.3.1

        28 February 2013 at 9:39 am

        When ya got an itch, the most natural thing to do is scratch it!
      • DavidW 26.3.2

        28 February 2013 at 9:43 am

        Besides, I don’t see any outrage, disassociation or condemnation of toxic Charles speech which would have to be one of the most self-destructive speeches ever given in my recollection. Mr mumble should be all over it like a rash.
        • Colonial Viper 26.3.2.1

          28 February 2013 at 9:52 am

          Why would there be any condemnation of a gracious, honest, from the heart speech given by a Labour MP?

          You’re not one of those Charles mentioned looking to hunt down and exclude the ‘enemies within’ are you?
          • DavidW 26.3.2.1.1

            28 February 2013 at 10:04 am

            You call that speech “gracious” CV (shudders visibly!) I would hate to hear one that was really loaded. Shearer should have invited him to piss off and not let the door hit his sorry arse on the way out.

            It was not so much a speech as a great big one-fingered gesture at the Leadership, the Party and the membership. Might be OK in a gloves-off (very much closed door) session looking at what went wrong last election but to do it in public was to my mind unforgiveable, treacherous and self-defeating.
            • BM 26.3.2.1.1.1

              28 February 2013 at 10:11 am

              This, classless tantrum.
              At least Cunliffe took his lumps like a Man ,Chuck on the other hand throws out his toys and runs of to NY to cry in Mums lap.
              Pathetic individual.
              • Colonial Viper …

                28 February 2013 at 10:16 am

                lol you guys, I’m so sorry that karma works in this universe.

                More is coming.
                • DavidW …

                  28 February 2013 at 10:18 am

                  Happy Hunting
            • gobsmacked 26.3.2.1.1.2

              28 February 2013 at 10:21 am

              a great big one-fingered gesture at the Leadership, the Party and the membership.

              Classic!

              That’s “the membership” as in “the people”, Stalin’s version?

              Who cares about the membership? Next you’ll be suggesting they should have a say … oh, hang on.
              • DavidW …

                28 February 2013 at 10:33 am

                “Who cares about the membership?” I would say I’m gobsmacked, gobsmacked but that wouldn’t be true.
                No, I was really talking about the loyal souls who have been continuing to prop up the Party’s dwindling financial resources year after year while the parliamentarians have their noses in the public trough and treat them with contempt in exactly the sort of way you have expressed.

                You know, the people who really believe and can’t pack it in and bugger off to the UN, the people who save enough from their National Super to maintain membership as a matter of trust. Trust that the principles of the workers movement are being upheld and are not sacrificed on the alter of neo-liberal social engineering.

                I would say that more than a few rank and file will be now saying “fuck it” I’ll buy another bottle of that sherry (overpriced because of Jim Anderton’s misguided tax) I like and skip my LP membership this year.
                • gobsmacked …

                  28 February 2013 at 10:46 am

                  You’re very confused.

                  1) Do you understand who Chauvel was criticising? 2) Do you agree with those criticisms?

                  1) Mallard and the ABC

                  2) Yes, you do … if what you say about “trough” and “neo-lberal” means anything sincere.

                  Does it?
                • Te Reo Putake …

                  28 February 2013 at 10:59 am

                  Hmmm, you’re not some sort of bridge dweller are you, David? Your messages are mixed, but I think the anti-Labour sentiment is starting to show through. Chauvel’s speech was pretty dignified in tone and he could have been far more explicit and even nasty if he’d wanted to, but clearly, his loyalty is to the party. Something nobody will ever say of Trevor Mallard.

                  Regarding the membership, numbers are up and will continue to improve as we move into the second phase of the reform process. Finances are also under control and I’m told donations from the private sector are also on the rise, as the likelihood of a change of Government becomes more apparent and business hedges its bets.

                  All in all, there is nothing in Chauve’s speech that party members don’t already know. The great thing about it is its honesty, the downside is that Charles won’t be around for the foreseeable future to help reform caucus.
                  • Anne …

                    28 February 2013 at 11:34 am

                    Chauvel’s speech was pretty dignified in tone and he could have been far more explicit and even nasty if he’d wanted to, but clearly, his loyalty is to the party.

                    Bravo to Charles Chauval for having the courage to say what he did without rancour or anything approaching petty, immature spite.
27. DavidW 27

    28 February 2013 at 9:18 am

    Heh !
28. johnm 28

    28 February 2013 at 9:22 am

    I don’t know what the fuss is. He’s just another self serving bloke on the gravy train, he’s moved onto a better gravy train. What’s so special about having a legal mind. Keyboy is shafting us all with his legal position though 80% want to hold them in Public Ownership. 🙁
29. bad12 29

    28 February 2013 at 9:41 am

    One of the better MP’s was Charles Chauvel, i actually pictured Him as a future Prime Minister more in that role,

    Never mind Charles will be forgotten by next month, nah wait thats a couple of days away, the month after should be enough time in politics to erase Him from most memories,

    Pity as much energy wasn’t expended picking at the SCABS of and that are the National Government as what gets expended here lambasting Labour,

    Changing party allegiance to a more left leaning option would seem to be the best medicine for any perceived wrongs being currently committed by Labour…
30. js 30

    28 February 2013 at 11:44 am

    Charles is smart and a good left winger but he was not so effective as a potential local MP. He needed to better Peter Dunne’s record of turning up to everything and being everywhere in the electorate and then he might have won the seat, but he seemed a bit bored by all that mundane stuff. And didn’t even live there which is always a bit of a negative.
31. MichaelLP 31

    28 February 2013 at 12:11 pm

    What a rude fucking prick (Mallard and his tweet).

    Absolute and undoubted proof he is In Labour for himself, not for Labour
32. pete 32

    28 February 2013 at 12:29 pm

    A guy who repeatedly loses to Peter Dunne won’t be missed.
33. Rogue Trooper 33

    28 February 2013 at 3:19 pm

    Superlative Windsor Knot; Dalziel and Pascoe (pronounced, De al)
34. QoT 34

    28 February 2013 at 6:18 pm

    You know we’re fucked when just coincidentally Paddy Gower tweets this – once Charles is out the door, of course.

    Come on, you ABC chickenshits. At least own your catty, juvenile bullshit. Because this constant stream of cowardice just makes me more and more certain that Labour is completely fucked. I thought you’d won and we were all meant to line up behind the strong, committed leadership …
    • karol 34.1

      28 February 2013 at 7:27 pm

      *sigh*. Juvenile, indeed… and as for Gower’s, Twitter page, hands-in pockets attempt to be cool boy wonder, cub reporter… *snigger*.
35. Pascal's bookie 35

    28 February 2013 at 7:16 pm

    Winning: http://t.co/lFbQlRhkZH <– Roy Morgan, not pretty peeps. But don't worry, it's not the leadership's fault, or tactics, or anything really. It's just the wind. Now that Charles has gone it'll pick up; and Mallard has more time to tweet sweet nothings to whaleoil so it's good news actually.
    • gobsmacked 35.1

      28 February 2013 at 7:43 pm

      So, in summary, the two things that the payroll-cheerleaders like to claim in Shearer’s favour are …

      1) his conciliation skills, he can bring people together, and lead the MMP gov’t like he made UN peace.

      2) the polls.

      Neither are looking great right now.

      Was there something else? I got nothing.

      (Please don’t say “At least he’s not John Key.” I’m not John Key either. Why don’t you get behind me! Unite, so I can be Prime Minister, or else!).
      • felixviper 35.1.1

        28 February 2013 at 7:53 pm

        3) mad guitar skillz
    • rosy 35.2

      28 February 2013 at 9:07 pm

      So how’s that trend looking now, I wonder?
      • Colonial Viper 35.2.1

        28 February 2013 at 9:13 pm

        come on rosy, you can’t rush these things, just give it another 6 months…
        • felixviper 35.2.1.1

          28 February 2013 at 9:31 pm

          It’s most likely just a rogue trend…
36. VivaciousViper 36

    28 February 2013 at 7:52 pm

    No surprises with roy morgan,what the hell has to happen ?

    That’s right we have got to say nothing,do nothing, type nothing, blog nothing, just
    follow the leader,left,right,left right all the way to the edge of the cliff,where we all say
    ‘right’ and disappear into the abyss along with our hopes,wishes and dreams,at the moment
    it looks like we really are that powerless.

    Caucus, follow Charles advice and think of the people and the party and relinquish
    your stranglehold on a much needed and wanted party,your time has commeth,give
    it up, we want it back.
37. Anne 37

    28 February 2013 at 8:24 pm

    If this trend continues something is going to happen. Don’t ask me what because I haven’t a clue. I don’t have a lot of faith in the voting public, but they do seem to sense sometimes when something is wrong. They may not have a clue what it is, but they know Labour is currently not in a good place.

    My view is the main reason for the malignant behaviour particularly on the part of Mallard is because deep down he knows what Charles Chauvel said is true. But he/they won’t admit it, even to themselves. Have a look at the very end of the video. Jacinda Ardern is doing all the right things (standing and clapping) but she’s furious. The body language and facial expression says it all. (I apologise to her here and now if I have misinterpreted her response.)

    I’m sure Charles would have much preferred to have confined any criticism to the caucus, but I suspect a climate of fear has been created and no-one dares speak up. Sad, but that’s where I think it’s at…
    • karol 37.1

      28 February 2013 at 8:47 pm

      I don’t think Ardern looks furious at the end of the video, but she doesn’t look very positive. Usually a farewell speech results in congratulations on a job well done. No such response from her. Ardern and Parker are clapping, but most of the time their backs are to Chauvel.

      I don’t think it’s so much that the leadership team know Chauvel is right, but that they aren’t aware of their short-comings. I think they were second tier under Clark. They accepted it for that period, but thought that once Clark moved on, their time had come. They seem to believe they truly are top team, leadership material, and now they can do things the way they think they should be done. They are not aware that they are solid, second tier material, but every week they show they are not up to taking the leading roles.

      Clearly they won’t go willingly, and will need to totally fail, or to be usurped. The latter is difficult because a section of the caucus needs renewal. I suppose it really needs the membership to be able to select more suitable new candidates: ones who will recognise the kind of leader parliamentary Labour needs in the current context.
      • Colonial Viper 37.1.1

        28 February 2013 at 8:54 pm

        Former staff sargeants fancying themselves with Generals stars
      • hush minx 37.1.2

        28 February 2013 at 9:18 pm

        To me it looked like she was controlled in her anger, or not sure that she’d heard what she thought she had perhaps? But there was certainly a dearth of front bench MPs congratulating Charles. At the very least they should put the site of unity on given they were on camera. Heard there weren’t many MPs at his after function either.
38. Anne 38

    28 February 2013 at 9:59 pm

    I agree hush minx. She was angry or maybe shocked because she didn’t think he would do it, but it was well under control. After all they knew the cameras were on them. She and David Parker exchanged a very quick glance at each other after they rose to clap which I thought was quite telling. I guess the reason there weren’t many MPs at the after function was because the ABC Club called an urgent meeting in the caucus room. 🙂

    I don’t think it’s so much that the leadership team know Chauvel is right, but that they aren’t aware of their short-comings.

    That’s sort of what I was saying. Deep down they will know he’s right, but they won’t admit it even to themselves. I’ve seen it all before. They can’t let go of the power, the intrigues, the whole lifestyle. It gives them a feeling of self-importance (even omnipotence in some cases) which is hard to give up. The thought of becoming an ordinary citizen again fills them with horror. 🙂

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