The issue of Maori seats on the supercity council has inevitably exposed the contradictions inherent in this government. The Maori party wants ’em. ACT won’t agree.
Which way will Key go?
With Hide. Why? Because Hide’s the only willing to hurt the government to get what he wants.
Hide says he’ll resign as minister. It’s unclear if that’s all his portfolios or just local government, either way it would add to the developing shakiness of this government that can’t seem to go a week without someone resigning, under pressure to resign, or under investigation.
What are Sharples and Turia threatening? To have a cry and then get back to giving Maori a government-approved flag for one day a year? I bet Key is shaking in his boots.
Politics is the exercise of power. In this case, the Maori Party have shown themselves unwilling to exercise their power. They can’t because they have thrown in their lot with proving the relationship with National can work. If it fails the Left will be saying ‘we told you so’ and the Maori Party will look like dorks. So, they must make it work no matter the cost. Hide has shown he is willing and able to use his power. So, Hide will get what he wants.
Key’ll probably create the Maori advisory board to the supercouncil, which the Maori Party rejected months ago, as a sop. The Maori Party will not only accept it, they’ll claim it as a great win.
A simple decision for Key. No Maori seats. A win for Hide. Easier with National’s base and the racists in caucus too. No negative consequences for Key. No lost votes – it’s just lefties who want the seats. No punishment from the Maori Party.
Powered by WPtouch Mobile Suite for WordPress