The attacks made by National, Act and NZ First, that the party is all theatrics and no substance, and that its MPs never bother spending much time in Parliament, have begun to land – even Labour leader Chris Hipkins this week was explicit that he wanted to see the leadership in Parliament more.
It’s a pity Parliament doesn’t release attendance data for the House and select committees. It would be very very telling.
Proverbial chickens have come home to roost. The party has placed too much emphasis on style, social media, and assorted theatrics, at the expense of policy and hard graft in Parliament. On its worst days, it’s a party of influencers. As a result, it has almost nothing to show for the past five years in Parliament beyond changing the parliamentary dress code (a change that may soon be reversed).
Their only achievement from five years in Parliament is the dress code. What a waste of space.
David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders
1 comment:
With regard to the serious business of governance, they probably wouldn't understand half the words used in any substantive discussion on economic issues to name just one area, and that's probably being generous.
I find it incredible that we need to pass tests to be placed in any position of authority over others, and yet our system allows people with zero relevant qualifications to partake in making decisions about matters that affect us all.
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