An interesting piece from Waatea News:
Labour's Maori affairs spokesman Parekura Horomia has indicated Phil Goff's blanket refusal to contemplate Hone Harawira as part of a future coalition government isn't supported by all his colleagues.
Mr Goff says while he made the decision himself, it was unanimously backed by the Labour caucus.
Goff should be worried that Horomia, a senior figure within the party, has decided to essentially break ranks. This signals that there is a significant amount of dissatisfaction among caucus, especially the Maori caucus, in terms of the decisions Goff is making. A capable leader can in most instances contain dissatisfaction, however Goff is struggling to keep caucus onside. Ultimately, it is a failure of political management on Goff’s part. On current calculations Goff will need the Greens, New Zealand First and Hone Harawira to have any hope of forming the next government. However Goff cannot expect to manage a coalition of competing and disparate interests when he cannot even control his own caucus. MMP requires deft political management skills – Goff is yet to display such skills.
Goff has had a hard time over the past two and a bit years. I know I would hate to be him right know. Having said that the flak he has received is in many cases justified. He is always making the wrong call, stepping in the wrong direction and slaving away behind public opinion. Goff is applying the smile and wave principle. The problem is smiling and waving is the province of John Key. New Zealanders don’t want two John Keys. They want a genuine choice - an old fashioned contest of ideas if you will. Sadly, Goff is far to timid to offer that. Goff is opting to play it safe. Recycle the standard PR lines, apply the standard theories, play by the book essentially. The standard approach to propaganda is insufficient. One would think that Goff and his idiot advisors would have realised this by now. In any case I hope they wake up before the election. Don’t just gift the election to John Key.
Hone would do a better job as leader of the labour party that Mr Goff.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like either Mr Cunliffe or David Parker will be the next labour party leader rather soon. Will be good to see a labour party that moves awar from Goff's silly anti maori antics, and moves away from his neoliberal views.
You're probably right, anon.
ReplyDeleteCunliffe is a deadbeat. Labour will be condemned to another cycle in opposition if Cunliffe is chosen.
David Parker is also fairly characterless, however he is likeable.
Goff will not go this term – at least I hope. That would be a disaster. Having said that, IF Labour loses, then Goff MUST go.