Two drunk backbenchers
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12:57 pm, December 14th, 2007 - 48 comments
Categories: national -
Tags: national
A mate of mine had a rather interesting run-in last night with a couple of drunken Tory backbenchers. Here’s what happened:
Last night I was at the Malthouse in Courtenay Place having a few beers with some mates when who should walk into the bar but a couple of National Party backbenchers. We struck up a conversation, and an enlightening one it was. Both Nats had clearly had a few and the rookie’s tongue was looser than I would have thought wise (I noticed his more experienced colleague was far more reserved).
He readily agreed that John Key comes across as ‘a bit smug but he’s a tough bugger and he works us like dogs, as he should’. We were assured that ‘she’ (Clark, presumably) would ‘knock that smugness out of him in the campaign’.
We were then told that ‘John doesn’t really know what he wants to do if (when, hah!) he becomes Prime Minister and he certainly hasn’t told us!’ But, then ‘He’s new to politics; he shouldn’t know what he wants. He’s just got to hit the right notes with the public’. I gained a striking impression that power was being sought for its own sake, not to make a better New Zealand.
Searching for some glimmer of a vision, the Nats were asked about where they thought the country should head. ‘Singapore’ was the answer: we should be looking to a city-state on the world’s busiest shipping strait that is run as a mix of autocracy and plutocracy as the model. Every mention of vision or policy was solely limited to economics: people appeared in the frame merely as commodities and factors of production.
So, maintain and fortify privilege for those who have it, that’s name of the game, and do so by ‘hitting the right notes’.
‘John’, we were informed, ‘could hit the right notes about 85% of the time’ much better than ‘English, who only gets it right 65% of the time’ (note who gets first names, the faction this backbencher sat in was clear).
At this point the slightly nervous-looking, more experienced politician decided it was time they extracted themselves before his friend started telling us intimate details of caucus sessions. We were left amused but more than a little concerned that this is the true face of the National party behind Key’s grinning façade.
I imagine the rookie had more than his hangover to worry about this morning.
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- Release: Government’s disgrace for Christchurch homeowners
The Government is backtracking on existing commitments to do the right thing by homeowners let down by EQC (now the Natural Hazards Commission). ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s FamilyBoost a colossal flop
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- Ngarewa-Packer Demands Support for Palestine Ceasefire from New Plymouth Mayor
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- Release: Trade deal with Gulf states welcomed
Labour welcomes the conclusion of a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that was restarted under a Labour government after languishing for many years. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes OAG fast track inquiry
The Government should consider the outcome of an Auditor-General report into conflicts of interest before progressing the Fast track Approvals Bill through Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens reignite call for free dental
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- Greens call for bottom trawling ban and call out Minister for lacklustre response
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- Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs
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The National Government should review its support for Gumboot Friday after unacceptable comments by its leader and champion Mike King. ...3 weeks ago
- Louise Upston cherry-picks data to punch down on the poor
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- New diplomatic appointments
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- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
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- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
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- Police stats show promising change
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- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
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- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
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- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
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- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
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- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
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- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
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- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...5 days ago
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- Proposals to modernise conservation released
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- Treaty Principles Bill passes first reading
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- Contactless payments launching on public transport in Auckland
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- RIF funding supports aquaculture development
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- When the going gets tough ‘Get Through’ with Farmstrong
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- Government exploring new energy source
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- Pay Gap Calculator toolkit launched
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- Government launches refreshed Public Private Partnership framework
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- Further decisions taken on regulating online casino gambling
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- Tailored support for people in emergency housing
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- Getting ready for bird flu
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- Harbour closure supports mussel reseeding
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- Government awards primary sector scholarships to tertiary students
The coalition Government has awarded scholarships to six tertiary students as part of efforts to boost on-the-ground support for farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “We are reducing the regulatory burden on farmers and growers and providing support to adapt and innovate, ...7 days ago
- Tax work programme focused on rebuilding the economy
Rebuilding the economy and improving fiscal sustainability is the key focus of the Government’s new Tax and Social Policy Work Programme for Inland Revenue, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “New Zealand has been grappling with significant economic challenges over the last few years with many businesses and households feeling the ...7 days ago
- Omnibus Bill First Reading for Royal Commission of Inquiry National Apology
Mr Speaker, as the Minister for Children, it is my priority to ensure that children and young people in the care system are safe. The thousands of survivors who shared their experiences with the Royal Commission have been clear that the system must improve its protections against abuse and neglect. ...1 week ago
- Clarifying the protection of disabled people in care
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- Oranga Tamariki Act changes a step in the right direction
Changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 included in an Omnibus Bill are long overdue and a positive step in the right direction, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. As part of the National Apology today, the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill had its first reading. “I am ...1 week ago
- Improvements to Government record-keeping in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse ...
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- Chalmers targets reforms to superannuation products and transparency in the retirement phase
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- More children going hungry, Health Survey shows
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Did he puke on Irishbill?
Yes, the rookie did.
Oh my God, Robinsod is Colin King!
Since DPF is bantering on about disclosure – disclose who the drunken bumbling fool is.
Yes, John Key is a big fan of Singapore:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0605/S00004.htm
When he made his speech to the National Press Club attacking the Electoral Finance Bill, he said it was all about cherishing freedom and democracy. New Zealand, he declared, is one of only 27 nations in the world to have full democracy, and we should fight to defend it. Inspiring stuff.
Singapore is not one of them.
Alex, I’d like to but I don’t think that’d be fair to them. MPs deserve a private life too. I just thought the aspiring rookie’s comments were worthy of a wider audience.
Can we have a secret ballot to guess who they were? The winner getting a date with their choice of The Prophet, Billy or Robinsod?
I would guess Burqa Bob but if it was him I’m not sure you could resist naming him (before enyone gets upset about that comment, it was a joke and not an attack on Tane’s principles), so I’ll go with Nathan Guy (not that I’ve ever heard of him) – the rookie has ‘list’ (and bottom thereof)written all over him!
Gobsmacked, I had a lol moment with that link. JK mentions that both NZ and Singapore are similar because of their British Empirical background, they are islands and have roughly 4 million people. And in other respects they are different. Eagle-eye Key huh? Those similarities are astounding!
Who’d turn down a date with me for them? (For the record I’m thinking Coleman – he’s certainly got a habit of shooting off at the mouth)
I disagree with not mentioning who they are. This is politics and they are seeking to represent all of us and it has absolutely nothing to do with their personal lives.
Name them and get the ball rolling. Perhaps we’ll get some denials or clarifications from National.
God i hope I’m right,, I really do – I’m definitely picking you, ‘sod.
Are you creeped out?
Mark Blumsky was out with a funny looking little bald guy late last nigh. I saw them walking down courtney place on my way home and they looked a bit pished. It might be them?
Will Mark Blumsky’s eyebrows be banned afer Jan 1?
FFS, I am Robinsod.
Does that mean Robinsod is a young Sophia Loren?
God you are right about John Key and singapore and John Key and people-as-commodities. he spoke at a UoA lecture earlier in the year and the whole speech was about how economically we could be making more money by…well just doing stuff
He made no mention of quality of life, people as people rather than money making ventures and he had no real ideas on how to improve NZ. His vision seemed to be something to do with singapore and he tried to mention “technology”. dismal
You better believe it Tane, Well, if you by “young Sofia Loren” you mean “middle aged Danny Devito”.
Hi Shoe Tappers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
…only hotter and more left wing.
It must do, I suppose.
Does that mean Robinsod is a young Sophia Loren?
If robinsond were a women he would be a brainless 99 year- old blonde. Nothing less would fit the mould.
Hi dad.
Hi Michael
Tane, are you in the business of listening to other people’s conversations? Good training for your up-and-coming participation in the Comite de Defensa de la Revolucion in Cuba.
Is D4J your father, ‘sod?
Captcha: mental huli. I think there’s something in that for all of us.
Santi – that’s not very nice and after I repeatedly outsmart you too…
[Tane: Dad, too far.]
Billy – nah, but he could almost be my spiritual father.
Santi – I think you’ll read the post you’ll see someone else sent it in and it wasn’t a case of “listening in” than some fool just spilling the beans. And from Sally’s description I think I know who…
Santi, read the post again. It’s pretty clear the bit in quotation marks is an account sent in by my mate who had a pretty long conversation with them.
people are always spilling me, the louts
Billysod, might have to pass on that date now I know you’re 99, and have the Burns Unit as a spiritual father.
Wouldn’t be able to control myself.
Tane, Putin’s FSB looks forward to receiving your application as an informant. You’re fully qualified!
Santi, I seem to recall you saying somethng about my inability to discuss the issues. You’re looking real shit hot right now too…
Santi – One of your crew shot his mouth off. If someone from the left had done the same with Farrar he’d have put it out. If the person in question is who I think it is then it’s not a bad thing for National if he gets called to account for it because he (and anyone else that engages in such behaviour) is a political liability.
Matthew, you’re morally bankrupt. That aside, I’m prepared to discuss the isssue of conveying third-party conversations in a blog, not only because they are hearsay but because their veracity is in doubt.
Of course, it’s appropriate for Robespierre Tane to do it, since it appears to attack the Nats, of whom, I may add, I’m no supporter.
Santi, you’re morally bankrupt.
That’s go a better ring to it don’t you think?
That aside, you’re clearly worthless and have yet to make a decent contribution, my young troll. Keep it up, you do the Right justice.
Santi, I can assure you I have two witnesses to back up what was said and another three who saw the conversation happen. I think what was revealed provides quite an interesting insight into the National Party and that’s why I published my friend’s account. If you’re an MP and you mouth off in public then you should expect to have your words reported. If anything I’ve done them a favour by not publishing their names on the blog, which I was well within my rights to do.
Santi, I just realised you’ve never said anything useful! Even the most fervent anti-Standard commentors post interesting opposing viewpoints. Check this shit (ad I mean shit) out:
http://theaggregator.co.nz/allcomments.php?by=Santi
I never realised just what a troll you were!
Great to see you sad nutbars spend so much time tracking me on the net . What boring lives you must lead . It is sad .
Dad – I thought you had a birthday party to look after? Do yourself a favour bro and spend a bit of time off the blogs. For true.
Doesn’t redbaiter bang on about singapore being great because it’s the only non-socialist country, or some such shit?
Is John Key redbaiter?
crivens.
Matthew, your last posting confirms your totalitarian make-up. You would’ve made a capable KGB agent looking for opponents of the Soviet regime. Shame on you.
If you have such a dislike of capitalism, why are you living in the midst of it? Why do you prescribe socialism from within a Western-style democracy? Move to places where your “ideal” social system are oppressing the same masses they claim to defend.
But no, hell no, you prefer to preach from the comfort of your ivory-tower.
Consistency is not your strong point, I surmise.
And Santi delivers the ultimate put-down: “Why are you living in the midst of it? … Move!”
This retort without thought is such an old favourite that it has inspired its own website, dedicated to internet comments which are made without troubling the user’s brain.
Have a read. It’s great fun!
http://ifyoulikeitsomuchwhydontyougolivethere.com/about/
Thanks for providing the link to that website. I haven’t seen anything so funny in ages, brilliant!!
aladin
Hmm, must have really annoyed Santi for him/her to make such baseless wild personal criticisms. Some people are just so tender.
Santi, maestro, I gather from your last comment that you wouldn’t know socialism or communism if it nationalised your means of production, created a classless society about you and kicked you in the shins!
One day you might be interested in taking a look a what views a social democrat might hold, you might find it enlightening.
P.S. It’s not totalitarian to point out that someone has a complete inability to post constructive comments on a blog – take a look into that as well, you’ll learn a thing or two.
P.P.S Might I point out that Labour (a social democratic party) currently is in power in New Zealand’s government. Have you thought about leaving? 😉 I hear Somalia is really good if you want a minimum of governmental influence in your life. I quite like it here myself!
pics or it didn’t happen
Stan – like the resurrection?