Douglas adds to Key’s ACT headache
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- Date published:
4:07 pm, August 19th, 2010 - 34 comments
Categories: national/act government, Politics -
Tags: john key, Rodney Hide
ACT’s meltdown continues, with comments from ACT founder and current MP Sir Roger Douglas illustrating that all is not well in the caucus. According to Stuff, Sir Roger Douglas is saying he is not sure he will stand at the next election. He also said the party had to show it was stable.
“I don’t know where we’re at. What we need to do is show that we’re a hell of a lot better than that. And to do that, we need to get our strategy right, we need to get over-riding principles understood and then we need to move forward together. I guess we haven’t necessarily shown we’ve been capable of that. I’m not blaming anyone for that. When these things happen, it’s no one individuals fault. Collectively, we’ve got to take responsibility.”
The challenge for Mr Key is how should he be responding to his preferred coaltion’s partner’s disintegration? Can he trust those ACT Ministers to make good decisions when key ACT MPs are saying they don’t know where they are at? And a description from the former Deputy leader that Hide is a “bully”, and that ”ACT sees team leadership as primitive combat, with a need to destroy a colleague’s reputation to justify an otherwise inexplicable decision” must call into question the judgement of both the ACT leader, but also Mr Key’s leadership. Is he ok with that dynamic in his government?
John Armstrong provides his usual insightful analysis:
Who and what are the voters to believe? Hide, who last night finally admitted the caucus ructions after erecting a wall of silence following Tuesday’s caucus deputy leadership spill? Or the politically salacious details – plus the brutally honest analysis of Act’s parlous state – contained in Roy’s statement of defence?
If the document’s claim that Hide’s hold on Epsom is tenuous “at best”, then it is even more so after this week’s shambles.
National now has to weigh up whether its supporters can still stomach Hide and whether it should cut its losses and stand a strong candidate in Epsom in case continued association with Hide starts to damage its high party vote in the blue-ribbon electorate – or worse, though still highly unlikely, because Act’s follies could allow Labour to come through the middle and win the seat.
So if Mr Key is looking slightly less bouncy that usual I think we will know why. This is one headache that’s not going away anytime soon.
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- New Zealand needs a strong and stable ETSNew Zealand needs a strong and stable Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) that is well placed for the future, after emission units failed to sell for the fourth and final auction of the year, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. At today’s auction, 15 million New Zealand units (NZUs) – each ...2 days ago
- PISA results show urgent need to teach the basicsWith 2022 PISA results showing a decline in achievement, Education Minister Erica Stanford is confident that the Coalition Government’s 100-day plan for education will improve outcomes for Kiwi kids. The 2022 PISA results show a significant decline in the performance of 15-year-old students in maths compared to 2018 and confirms ...3 days ago
- Collins leaves for Pacific defence meetingDefence Minister Judith Collins today departed for New Caledonia to attend the 8th annual South Pacific Defence Ministers’ meeting (SPDMM). “This meeting is an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with my Pacific counterparts to discuss regional security matters and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the Pacific,” Judith Collins says. ...4 days ago
- Working for Families gets cost of living boostPutting more money in the pockets of hard-working families is a priority of this Coalition Government, starting with an increase to Working for Families, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “We are starting our 100-day plan with a laser focus on bringing down the cost of living, because that is what ...4 days ago
- Post-Cabinet press conferenceMost weeks, following Cabinet, the Prime Minister holds a press conference for members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery. This page contains the transcripts from those press conferences, which are supplied by Hansard to the Office of the Prime Minister. It is important to note that the transcripts have not been edited ...4 days ago
- Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme scrappedThe Government has axed the $16 billion Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme championed by the previous government, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “This hugely wasteful project was pouring money down the drain at a time when we need to be reining in spending and focussing on rebuilding the economy and ...5 days ago
- NZ welcomes further pause in fighting in GazaNew Zealand welcomes the further one-day extension of the pause in fighting, which will allow the delivery of more urgently-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of more hostages, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said. “The human cost of the conflict is horrific, and New Zealand wants to see the violence ...1 week ago
- Condolences on passing of Henry KissingerForeign Minister Winston Peters today expressed on behalf of the New Zealand Government his condolences to the family of former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who has passed away at the age of 100 at his home in Connecticut. “While opinions on his legacy are varied, Secretary Kissinger was ...1 week ago
- Backing our kids to learn the basicsEvery child deserves a world-leading education, and the Coalition Government is making that a priority as part of its 100-day plan. Education Minister Erica Stanford says that will start with banning cellphone use at school and ensuring all primary students spend one hour on reading, writing, and maths each day. ...1 week ago
- US Business Summit Speech – Regional stability through tradeI would like to begin by echoing the Prime Minister’s thanks to the organisers of this Summit, Fran O’Sullivan and the Auckland Business Chamber. I want to also acknowledge the many leading exporters, sector representatives, diplomats, and other leaders we have joining us in the room. In particular, I would like ...1 week ago
- Keynote Address to the United States Business Summit, AucklandGood morning. Thank you, Rosemary, for your warm introduction, and to Fran and Simon for this opportunity to make some brief comments about New Zealand’s relationship with the United States. This is also a chance to acknowledge my colleague, Minister for Trade Todd McClay, Ambassador Tom Udall, Secretary of Foreign ...1 week ago
- India New Zealand Business Council Speech, India as a Strategic PriorityGood morning, tēnā koutou and namaskar. Many thanks, Michael, for your warm welcome. I would like to acknowledge the work of the India New Zealand Business Council in facilitating today’s event and for the Council’s broader work in supporting a coordinated approach for lifting New Zealand-India relations. I want to also ...1 week ago
- Coalition Government unveils 100-day planPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has laid out the Coalition Government’s plan for its first 100 days from today. “The last few years have been incredibly tough for so many New Zealanders. People have put their trust in National, ACT and NZ First to steer them towards a better, more prosperous ...1 week ago
- New Zealand welcomes European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade AgreementA significant milestone in ratifying the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was reached last night, with 524 of the 705 member European Parliament voting in favour to approve the agreement. “I’m delighted to hear of the successful vote to approve the NZ-EU FTA in the European Parliament overnight. This is ...2 weeks ago
- 'He gets it' – Christopher Luxon impresses locals on first visit to cyclone-battered...
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- The Amalgamated Workers Union Calls On The Government To Give Fair Pay Agreements A Fair Go
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- A Cowardly, Anti-Palestinian Parliamentary MotionThe parliamentary motion passed today , a full two months after Israel’s slaughter of Palestinian civilians began, says: "Express grave concern at the ongoing violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories, unequivocally condemn ...11 hours ago
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- Listen: The real cost of the smoking excise tax
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- GCSB Minister Judith Collins condemns Russian cyber attacksNew Zealand is joining other nations, including Britain, in condemning Russian government malicious cyber-attacks. ...11 hours ago
- GCSB Minister Judith Collins condemns Russian cyber attacksNew Zealand is joining other nations, including Britain, in condemning Russian government malicious cyber-attacks. ...11 hours ago
- Ryan Bridge to host Three’s new 7pm showWith The Project wrapping up last week (you can read Duncan Greive’s excellent reflections on that here), Warner Bros Discovery has announced broadcaster Ryan Bridge will host a brand new current affairs show for Three. The currently unnamed show will focus on live news and interviews and is a return ...12 hours ago
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- Councils are opening the door to tiny houses as a quick, affordable and green solutionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hing-Wah Chau, Course Chair in Building Design & Senior Lecturer in Built Environment, Victoria University Soaring rents and home prices, increasing mortgage stress, record immigration and a growing population are fuelling a housing crisis and increasing homelessness. In the face of this ...12 hours ago
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- The Bulletin: Covid data leaker was largely unknown in conspiracy circlesTe Whatu Ora IT worker Barry Young had a “relatively muted” digital presence prior to his arrest last week over a massive Covid data breach, Stuff reports. Young has since become something of a cause celebre among vacccine sceptics, appearing on online shows hosted by local conspiracy theorist Liz Gunn and ...12 hours ago
- Home Brew back with first album in over a decade and slot at LanewayAfter an 11 year hiatus, legendary Aotearoa hip-hop group Home Brew are back today with their first new album in over a decade, Run it Back, and will continue that reunion at Laneway Festival in February. Breaking their indefinite hiatus, Run it Back comes off the back off the 2023 ...12 hours ago
- MPs settle into new roles as parliament cranks back into actionThere may be less than a fortnight left in the political year, but politicians seem determined to make the final days count, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Question time is ...13 hours ago
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- Daily crossword, Friday 8 December
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ACT’s base is Roger’s people, not Hide’s.
I think a lot of people who came back to ACT because Douglas was running. They are social and economic liberals – misguided utopians. They believe in Douglas’s economic vision.
They will turn their noses up at a team of principleless lying Hide, weirdo Boscawen, and hang ’em all Garrett.
captcha – fractions
Spot on Blighty.
Clint Heine is teh funny.
http://clintheine.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-thoughts-on-heather-roy-story.html
It’s a clear win for ACT, who have played a tricky hand brilliantly and Goff will be rolled within days. (see comments).
I’m sure he’ll join Roger in embracing collective responsibility.
Sorta related: a nice video of Bob putting Donovan in his place.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXY2GoHCC88
Ow, You can almost see his ego wither. Poor bastard.
Yeah, and it’s even harsher if you see what preceded it – Mr Leitch did his very best to impress the master with a new song of his own, heartfelt and warmly encouraged by his beardie mates.
And then that.
P’s b, I just found the longer clip with Donovan’s song as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iID1vKgBUzQ
(It’s Friday, ok?)
Is it from that scorsese doco that I’ve got sitting in a bookshelf but haven’t watched yet?
(I should watch that)
Yep it is and yep you should.
lolACTz – a political internet meme…
I CAN HAZ MINISTERIAL WARRANTZ NAO PLEES?
ACTzCAT IS UNSOCIALITS
Where is Clint’s humour tag?
Oh, and I followed that link.. and I have learned that ACT allows only one woman at a time! Why is that, I wonder?
Deb
so it finally comes to the point where (don)key has to make some real decisions. i feel bad for him, because, faced with a situation like this, most of us would fall back on our guiding principles to frame our response. the fact the he has none(principles) is going to make it tricky.
maybe now is the time to dust off the old red wig and big floppy shoes and go back to his former life as the clown prince of wall st.
I’m struggling to see how this is a problem for National. Where the fuck do you think ACT voters are going to go?
“Pure” ACT voters will vote ACT, or Libz, or similar fringe-ists. Disgruntled ex-Nats will grudgingly vote Nat (which is your point). But the Garrett-ACT voters (rednecks) have another option …
… and he only needs 1% more to get back.
Peters rising again courtesy of Hide would be funny. Not good, but still funny.
nats would get at best a 3.5% vote boost while losing 5 proxy mps.
Chuckles for lab.
New Zealand First might suit some of them?
Mary on Nat Rad Checkpoint, just said, National, this afternoon, have been discussing putting up a candidate in Epsom … sounded like she meant a “serious” candidate.
All fine for Act.
The Next election will be: ~
Act 10%
Kiwiparty 5%
National 42%
Labour 35%
Greens 8%
WTF is the Kiwiparty, Anthony?
less popular than the Bill & Ben party.
The trouble is that Anthony’s satire, while extremely far fetched, is still within the bounds of say, Clint Heine or one or two of the RWNJs who comment here.
The Larry Baldock-mobile?
Exclusively fundy parties have only ever got close to 5% once. So possible, but unlikely – their votes are too precious to have not count.
It would have to be broader than that. And there is no way that the right will get 57% of the popular vote. 51% is about the upper limit. That’s why there’s such a crisis currently – National despite being routinely 15-20 points ahead in polls cannot call an early election because there remains at least a near even chance that they’d lose.
My call is that:
NACT: 47%
LG: 46%
NZF: 6%
MP: 1%
(although NACT could further splinter, but reform the same alliance)
Anthony, where on earth do you get those figures from? ACT 10%, only in a HORROR movie!
Yeah. Aaron Bhatnagar is being mooted on Red Alert. He’s an ultra right-winger and former ACT activist.
Someone female and clever would be the optimal candidate (sorry Aaron). Everytime Hide goes near her or yells at her- watch the voters cringe!
PS If Heather Roy wanted to really screw Rodney, she could run as an free-marketeer. The Nats would have to run a proper campaign in Epsom then.
Was it just me or did I hear Slur Roger say on National Radio that Helen Clark won an election in 1966?
Heard that too, thought he said 1969, though. Confused old man.
I heard ’69 as well, but earlier in the interview when he was talking about Cullen allegedly trying to dump Clark prior to the ’99 election. He really does seem to be losing it. The first sign for me was a couple of months ago when he went off on camera about how he was ‘entitled’ to free travel. Fancy that, an ACT MP entitled to suck from the teat of the taxpayer. Wooh, funny ol’ world etc.
Poor old bugger, must be galling to see his beloved party so thoroughly, er, rodgered.
That’s terrible, he thinks he can remember the 60’s, and he’s forgotten the 90s. I wish I could forget the 90s.
Excerpts from Gordon Campbell’s blog on Scoop.
“… can there possibly be a less attractive triumvirate than Rodney Hide, John Boscawen and David Garrett? They’re an interesting argument for the proposition that over time, you start to look like your own economic theories. Ugly, ugly, and bugly.
Roy by contrast, brought youth, gender diversity and genuine competence to her roles in consumer affairs and defence. Her fate will be a lasting indictment of the thugs who demanded her silence. … ”
I’d say Campbell has put it in a nutshell.
In those three stuffed cuckoos, there’s no future for New Zealand!
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