Posts by Craig Ranapia
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If Key is going to continue to go on and on about how Helen handled Trev's actions then he should be opening himself up to some scrutiny about how he is handling Henare.
I'd agree up to a point; but would also say that Key's not the one banging on about how much stress Mallard causes around the place, and that Trevor has made a career out of being a provocative little douche-nozzle who should have gotten a good smack from Bill English, when the 'honour' of his wife was - inaccurately - smeared from that quarter.
I'll tell you this for free - I'm been informed by reliable sources that Henare (who is currently ranked 25th in caucus behind Georgina te Heuheu) hasn't shortened the odds of being promoted to the front bench any time soon. The phrase 'ripped a new one' came up more than once.
And take it as read I don't think putting your hands around another MP's throat (which I've seen alleged elsewhere Henare did) makes one front-bench material in any party, let alone fit to hold a senior and enormously sensitive ministerial post.
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Oh, and could Helen please STFU now? Listening to the post-reshuffle post-mortem on Morning Report, the "there's no excuse for what Trevor did, but" spin coming out of her mouth is just getting worse.
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I have never understood these sorts of statements about humility.
Indeed. In Three's pretty soft piece on the reshuffle last night, even Clayton Cosgrove's Tourette-like reminders of how 'humble' he was drew some (gentle) urine extraction.
To be fair, though, Frederick McElrea's judgment would have humbled anyone who wasn't in the grip of psychotic self-regard. Could have been a lot worse for GB, but it wasn't a ringing exoneration either. Humility was definitely the order of the day, but I agree it's only of those quality you show never tell about.
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But I do like the way he took ownership of what happened, no whinning, no excuses, no buts
Certainly - and I really, really hope the counseling works for him, because I wouldn't fancy his chances of taking Kim Hill in a fair fight. :)
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Oh, you mean the future National deputy leader who (if my memory serves) was charged - and convicted of - assault
Whoops, to be pedantic, I'm not sure that a private prosecution involves charges being laid. But anyway, here's the Herald report which doesn't seem to back up the delicious picture of Basher Brownlee "beating up pensioners". A wee bit more complicated, though no more palatable in my book.
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make up your own minds as to which version you want to believe
I could believe both and this:
1) Someone took a sideways glance at Benson-Pope and decided that death with dignity is infinitely preferable to being gutted in public. She needs Mallard; Burton, not so much. -
Was Rodders this insenced when a certain future National deputy leader was beating up pensioners?
Oh, you mean the future National deputy leader who (if my memory serves) was charged - and convicted of - assault, and has had his nose rubbed in it at every opportunity since? I'd also check the use of the plural and the term 'beating up', rodgerd. While I don't think Gerry's actions were in any way acceptable, I think 'beating up pensioners' or 'throwing an old man down a stairwell' (as one of Kiwiblog's more excitable lefty-readers like to put it) is a wee bit OTT.
Apparently Trevor isn't under such horrible stress that his workload is being reduced - instead he's picked up environment, labour and broadcasting -, and the ballyhoo-ed demotion hardly reached the level of a slap over the wrist with a moist Cabinet paper. No ministerial photo-op in Beijing for Trev next year.
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But as you say, Craig, the sort of personality I believe they call "unconflicted" or "untroubled by self-doubt".
That's diplomatically put. :) A really interesting aspect of political psychology is watching people make the transition - or not - from being very big fish in their respective ponds to runts in the Parliamentary pecking order. And I really hope Jones pulls it off, because he's not stupid, or a disagreeable man (most of the time - when he's tried being a shit-kicker he's just come across as a condescending dick). But what plays at home doesn't necessarily go down well in Wellywood.
Nanaia Mahuta, to her credit, promptly cashed the reality check that she can't coast on her family connections with the Kingitanga, but has had to do the work and pay her dues.
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Performed very poorly, took the hint and "stepped down" is probably the extent of it.
Was kinda sorta not surprised by any of the names, really. The really interesting one to watch will be Shane Jones - know I'm in the minority on this, but IMO he's been over-hyped and better get over himself long enough to perform well.
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I see... merchandising! A stylish range of MOK-RAGE apparel, homeware and office accessories! stuffed toys! Anime and manga! Oooh...
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