Clive Bibby: Where have all the Labour voters gone

I hope l have not besmirched the memory of Peter, Paul and Mary’s beautiful song that asked a similar question but of a world wide audience.

I have purposely done so, simply because there is no other question that needs to be asked of the kiwi voters who have shown their disdain for Labour’s, soon to be in opposition, remaining rump.

There is no question that Labour abused the mandate it was given to govern in the Nation’s best interests and part of their punishment is to lose some of those who were involved in the clandestine activities that led to the party’s downfall.

But it would be a mistake to assume that the remnants of this once great party are still leading a commitment to rehabilitation. Instead the moderates who recognise the need for change will more than likely be swamped by those who side with the more extreme blocks of their former coalition partners.

Looking at the increase in votes for The Greens and Te Pati Maori parties, one must accept that much of the Labour vote has gone - not to National or Act, although NZ First has almost certainly benefitted from the exodus of conservative Labour voters - to those more radical former partners in a Labour led coalition .

And l emphasise the term “radical” because there is no other more fitting term for what these two left wing ideologically driven groups have become.

So, what does this tell us about the real opposition the incoming government is likely to face.

Based on these current confirmed voting figures which suggest - as special votes are counted, a trend that will show both radical parties more entrenched on the opposition benches.

In some ways that will be a good thing for the incoming coalition because they will be able to contrast their policies against those that have, at least for the moment, been  decisively rejected. It sort of leaves the left wing radicals out on a limb, exposed for what they have always been - to use Helen Cark’s famous words -  “the wreckers” who will struggle to find a place in the hearts and minds of ordinary kiwis who just want a government offering stability and an opportunity for all citizens to achieve their potential in an otherwise troubled world.

My contention is that the sooner the Labour Party, having reinvigorated itself, finds a way to present as a party worthy of the title “His Majesty’s loyal Opposition”, the sooner they will have a chance of regaining the treasury benches.

And, if they know what is good for them, will reject the overtures from the Greens and Te Pati Maori which would on current poling suggest is a way that would only ensure their time in opposition becomes permanent.

If we have learned nothing else from the Election result, the following is true:

Overwhelmingly, Kiwis have made a choice that is an emphatic rejection of pretty much all the radical left plans for our future.

We and they should suck it up.

Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.