by frog
Russel’s reiteration of the Greens long-standing position on the Winston Peters scandals – that the Greens would probably not be able to sit at a cabinet table with Peters unless everything was cleared up – seems to have got a lot more media coverage this time around than previously. And Helen Clark seems to have rather belatedly smelt a change in the wind:
Miss Clark noted several times that NZ First may not be back in Parliament – and yesterday acknowledged it was facing “a tough fight”.
“I think everyone’s reluctant to draw firm conclusions but obviously it’s looking tough.”She also moved yesterday to anoint the Greens as her preferred partner – a prospect that would make any deal with NZ First, even if it does return, difficult.
“The Greens have waited a long time to be in Government. Their time is here,” Miss Clark said.
It’s not like we were deliberately standing around making sure everyone else had a turn. Clark’s last minute attempt to conveniently change dancing partners reflects what many of her local candidates have been saying around the country – that they would personally prefer to work with the Greens than NZ First. I’m left with the impression that, ethically, individual Labour members would prefer to deal with the Greens, but institutionally Labour finds NZ First easier and less demanding to cut a deal with. In the end it will be uncommitted Labour voters, rather than Clark, who will make the decision by showing Clark which of the two parties they would rather see her work with.
Published in Campaign by frog on Tue, November 4th, 2008
Tags: Helen Clark, labour party, New Zealand First, Russel Norman, winston peters
on the trolls and those who are unable to keep on topic
I would suggest that the Greens too have ‘smelt a change in the wind’ on this issue too, which has lead to the party finally getting tough of NZ First. Previously the Greens have hedged their bets on NZF, but seem to have finally realised that the Labour-Greens alliance needs to squash the NZF vote rather than pander to it.
Still, better late than never.
Bryce
http://www.liberation.org.nz
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Can’t remember a time the Greens weren’t tough on Winston. The current line is not new at all.
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Brilliant headline frog!
Bryce, I think what has happened here is that new and very serious allegations of “money for policy” deals involving NZFirst have now surfaced.
What is being alleged now is far more serious that misleading Parliament, failing to file accurate donation returns, and a genuine perception of untrustworthiness – the latest allegaations are of genunine corruption of the worst sort, and I think the Greens have responded appropriately.
I might add that there remains a cloud from revelations in The Hollow Menhanging over National’s head in this regard as well.
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>>Can’t remember a time the Greens weren’t tough on Winston.
Just last week. Jeanette was flip-flopping around when asked the question in the leaders debate.
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>>What is being alleged now
We agree on something.
Aren’t you curious as to why there has been NO mention of it on TVNZ news?
What the **** is going on?
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BP
I might guess that with the seriousness of the revelation, the media are trying to ensure that they are getting their facts well and truly straight. That would be INCREDIBLY optimistic of me, but I am willing to believe it until tomorrow evening, at which point I will revert to my normal cynicism if nothing more has appeared in the media.
respectfully
BJ
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“Just last week. Jeanette was flip-flopping around when asked the question in the leaders debate.”
Didn’t see it, but no doubt what’s said at any given point will depend on what happens to be hanging over Winston at the time. When it was the Serious Fraud Office investigation, she said no way unless that’s cleared, leaving the Police investigation, which I haven’t heard anyone say will go anywhere. Now its the Velas again, which as Russel points out is actually the most serious charge of all and one that needs a commission of inquiry to sort out. So the answer is an absolute no at present. But this stance would likely be modified too if he was cleared.
My point is that the Greens have been tough on Winston’s dealings for years, particularly on fishing and racing industry allegations. It not a new thing.
“Aren’t you curious as to why there has been NO mention of it on TVNZ news? ”
I’m pretty sure I saw it on TV One, but could be wrong. There is a different video piece on onenews.co.nz.
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