Posted by Blogger Name. Category:
#vanban
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David Cunliffe
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David Parker
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John Key
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Labour Party
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Leadership
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Sledge of the Day
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Steven Joyce
Steven Joyce is not the most subtle Minister in the John Key-led Government. And there was nothing subtle whatsoever in his sledgeing of Labour Party leader David Cunliffe yesterday; check this out:
And John Key joined Mr Joyce; the Herald reports:
Mr Key said the decision not to attend question time was "odd" given it was just before a two week recess and one of the few opportunities to tackle him head on.
"This is the place we debate big issues. This is the his chance to take me on. As leader of the opposition one of the best places to hold the Government to account is in Parliament."
He was also surprised Campbell Live was having trouble getting Mr Cunliffe for the dinner with the leaders, saying such pieces were good for the profile of any political leader.
John Key is dead right. Parliament recesses after Thursday's sitting. The House will resume in early May, and there will only be limited opportunities for David Cunliffe to take the fight to the Prime Minister. Not only did he miss an opportunity today, but his Deputy David Parker fared at least as well (or should that be no more ineptly?) than Mr Cunliffe has in recent months.
Labour will not win the General Election by keeping David Cunliffe hidden. For better or for worse, he is the leader of the Labour Party, but his leadership was missing yesterday. He needs to stop focusing on daft policies like the #VanBan, and show New Zealand that he is a Prime Minister in waiting. Going missing in action will not cut it.
