Explaining is losing

• Mike Smith
• 11 years ago
• Categories: david shearer, john key, Judith Collins

David Shearer had Key on the back foot today in the House over Labour’s housing policy. It’s a good policy, and Key’s long-winded explanations didn’t answer Shearer’s pointed questions; even Speaker Lockwood Smith sat Key down for going on too long and off the point. Key had to be rescued by Chief Whip Michael Woodhouse with a patsy question, but the leadership crack it was designed to bring out fell flat too.

Labour’s housing policy is good: practical, specific, getting the economy going, meeting real needs that matter to Kiwis. Shearer means it when he talks about “hands-on government” – what a contrast to Key’s  “hands-off can’t remember” approach.

Judith Collins sat beside Key. She looked lovely in pink.