… Debate too tame, but it touched on important issues……
Last night’s debate on TV1 was too tame. Politics should be fun and interesting. It livened up a little towards the end, but the formula was just too rigid to get any real spontaneous debate.
However, it was important that the serious financial crisis facing New Zealand got a good airing. Many New Zealanders have lost the value of their homes and their businesses are struggling. NZ First has outlined what it would do to protect and save peoples livelihoods and homes.
NZ First is an experienced party. We’ve had a lot of time and preparation of our reaction to the financial crisis, that’s why it appears uniquely in our manifesto and no-one else’s. That experience also means that in troubled times, we could work with anyone in Parliament for the benefit of New Zealand. Other parties last night showed they are very much one-dimensional in that regard. We might demand a certain sartorial style of our partners (e.g. no hideous yellow jackets) but we’re not so naïve as to rule them out completely.
We have noted several media articles declaring NZ First the winner of the debate. Of course we agree. What did you think?
October 28th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Whilst I did not see the debate(I was out in the bush tramping), I have the feeling that NZFirst did OK. Winston, you are also pushing teh right buttons with teh tenor of your campaign, I have just read your speech to Queenstown Grey Power.
A suggestion - how about you propose a government of national(no not the party)unity for the next 3 years, with you as PM and both Labour and National and maybe Maori as contributors and guiding NZ through the current financial turmoil. NZFirst seems to be the only party that has constructive solutions. ACT I totally discount, free market idealogy has failed from the time of Roinal reagan, maggie thatcher and the spectre of Roger Douglas is frightening. Jim Anderton should retire gracefully but his ego won’t let him and as for Peter Dunne, he is a non event.
October 28th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
As a 16 year old, i found your taking the mickey of Rodney very entertaining. I however thought that what you said on the economic downturn made sense and that you were the only one of the leaders who spoke about how it’s the parents who should be teaching their children about the law. I also believe that if John Key needed your party to form a government, then he’d change his spots in an instant. So would Rodney Hide I suspect too. Yes, you did win that debate and you won it well. There is a need for a politician in parliament like you, one who says what is on his mind and can have a laugh too! So don’t go changing your jacket now Winston!
October 28th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I agree. Interesting that Rodney Hide wears yellow, the colour of cowardice.
Incidentally, when I worked in the corporate world, I refused to approve a colleague as sales manager (it had to be unanimous) and said I wouldn’t work with him if he was appointed. I was told that my attitude was petty and totally unprofessional, since professionals are expected to work harmoniously with all to advance the objectives of the organisation. This went on my peronnel report, and I never got any further in that company. If politicians are supposed to be professional, the same fate should befall Key and Hide for being petty and saying they won’t work with Winston. Key says he would rather be in Opposition. Let’s work to make that happen!!
October 28th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Yes, Winston, your emphasis on the need of priority attention to the economic problems facing us, rather than the bickering about side issues so prominent in the media, cannot fail to raise the mana and support for NZ First.
After all, isn’t the economy the most important issue now, to make and keep sustainable all the “goodies” desired or needed for our future?
No credible party can deny, that a higher savings, investment and ownership culture is the safest means to deliver all we need, but so far no party has been courageous enough to make it a public priority issue.
Keep it up, Winston, everyone will be grateful to you for that, New Zealand needs it!
October 28th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I believe Winston should negotiate this time to be the Prime Minister and lead the Country.
It was a honour as a younger supporter of the New Zealand First Party to shake Winston’s hand at Massey High School on Sunday and tell him in person that he has my vote. Certainly a highlight meeting a man of such high esteem.
October 28th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Agreed.
Also the Alt TV talk was good.
The world financial crisis puts many things aside.
NZ has to save and protect itself.
We need a strong currency and low inflation.
pq
October 29th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I heard this song Ideology the other day by Billy Bragg and I think it really sums up why I vote NZ First, the one voice in parliament that understands the economy and really cares about New Zealand people - all ages, races, creeds and backgrounds. If they ever disappear so also will my vote in the future. Cheers.
Ideology
When one voice rules the nation
Just because they’re top of the pile
Doesn’t mean their vision is the clearest
The voices of the people
Are falling on deaf ears
Our politicians all become careerists
They must declare their interests
But not their company cars
Is there more to a seat in parliament
Than sitting on your arse
And the best of all this bad bunch
Is shouting to be heard
Above the sound of ideologies clashing
Outside the patient millions
Who put them into power
Expect a little more back for their taxes
Like school books, beds in hospitals
And peace in our bloody time
All they get is old men grinding axes
Who’ve built their private fortunes
On the things they can rely
The courts, the secret handshake
The Stock Exchange and the old school tie
For God and Queen and Country
All things they justify
Above the sound of ideologies clashing
God bless the civil service
The nations saving grace
While we expect democracy
They’re laughing in our face
And although our cries get louder
The laughter gets louder still
Above the sound of ideologies clashing
Above the sound of ideologies,
Above the sound of ideologies,
Above the sound of ideologies clashing