Posts by simon g

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  • Island Life: Let's be Frank,

    everyone admitted that he was in the Government and life went on.

    Remember the China Free Trade Deal?

    It was a nonsense - and widely criticised as such - that the Foreign Minister opposed the government on an issue linked to his own job.

    Key hints that Rodney Hide will get an economics/finance portfolio. Will he then support all the government's policies relating to that area?

    Also - unrelated but intriguing: if Goff becomes Labour leader today, is he Prime Minister?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Island Life: Let's be Frank,

    It's Peru. It's gotta be a poncho, with John's little head popping out at the top.

    I still have nightmares about Helen's Vietnam get-up (and she probably does too).

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Island Life: Let's be Frank,

    I'm waiting for the Herald to describe Key's impending trip to APEC as a "taxpayer-funded South American junket".

    And why does he want to go? Hasn't he seen the leaders' annual fancy dress photos? Honeymoon ends, right there.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Congratulations, Mr Key,

    That's all very true, but are ACT going to support the government on confidence and supply?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Congratulations, Mr Key,

    Russell, PA needs longer pages!

    Che reports the news, previously reported by Russell a few pages back, previously reported by me a few pages before that ...

    Still, threads are for joining, not reading.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Congratulations, Mr Key,

    If Labour want to be really devious, they could support National more.

    Direct 40% of the Super Fund? Control Pharmac? Keynesian spend-up? Extend Working for Families?

    "Sure, John, we'd love to help you get those through. You don't need ACT, we'll give you the numbers. What's more, we promise to keep all this when we get back in. Thanks!"

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Congratulations, Mr Key,

    Goff has got lucky here. Or rather, he's been rewarded for patience. He couldn't have challenged Clark, or been annointed if she'd won a fourth term. But he can win in 2011.

    Over 45% of voters didn't want what John Key was selling, even before his government had made a single decision or broken a single promise, even when Labour had given a textbook example of How Not to Run a Campaign.

    To win, all Phil Goff needs is to pick up 3-4% of those who voted for the Change, and are wondering what they've got. He could probably do that tomorrow.

    Only the emergence of the Judean Popular Front and People's Front of Judea, aiming for 4.9%, will stop Labour and the Greens getting in next time. The left are often dumb enough to do this, but here's hoping sanity prevails.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Congratulations, Mr Key,

    or slip of 't' ...

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Congratulations, Mr Key,

    Graeme

    So what does Key mean by "ouside of government"? No collective responsibility, surely? Or a slip of tongue?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

  • Hard News: Congratulations, Mr Key,

    NZPA/TV 3 reports:

    Today Mr Hide accepted Sir Roger Douglas would not be made a minister while Mr Key said it was likely Mr Hide would hold such a role but outside of Government. ...

    Mr Key said the support arrangement with ACT would be similar to the arrangement between New Zealand First and the last Labour government.

    Smart move, I reckon. Disappoint a few True Believers short-term, get peace of mind long-term.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report

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