Key “short-sighted, irresponsible”

• the sprout
• 14 years ago
• Categories: business, International, john key, leadership, military, national/act government
• Tags: John Langley

Today’s Herald has a front page piece criticizing Key’s abandonment of his Middle East trade mission to return home for the funerals of the three airmen who crashed on their way to an ANZAC Day parade.

Trade delegate Dr John Langley said

the decision was not in New Zealand’s long-term interests and that Mr Key was pandering to public and media opinion.

The “photo opportunity” of Mr Key’s visit to Afghanistan on the front page of yesterday’s Herald “added insult to injury”.

Having Mr Key on the missions would have had enormous impact for business and paved the way for future development.

“And we blew it”

I agree with Langley. Key’s actions were myopic, sacrificing our long term national interests for a quick spot of media-whoring on the back of a media death orgy. Just another Bush-like attempt to associate himself with the military whatever the cost. That really is tragic.