I thought I’d have a bit of fun picking a shadow cabinet for the major roles. Here goes. See how close I get, probably not very. Finance – Christopher Luxon? Education – Nicola Willis Health – Shane Reti Agriculture – Andrew Bayly Transport – Michael Woodhouse Defence – Gerry Brownlee Foreign Affairs – Simon Bridges Trade
A new business case released this week by the NZTA (New Zealand Tossers Association) recommends a new $5 billion rail tunnel be built within the next twenty years and before any additional roading network. THIS IS INSANE! What planet are these people living on? They don’t seem to have
In my final article on Simon Wilson’s fears, I will look at his thoughts on Ihumatao and neoliberalism. Along with climate change, Simon sees inaction on so many fronts. He says we’re preparing long-term aspirational plans because that’s how our decision-making processes work. But while
I’ll start by continuing Simon’s Pollyanna approach to what is happening at home and abroad, tinged with a little optimism. The optimist Simon believes a crisis brings out the best in us. He believes with little steps we can walk a long way. In this country, Simon believes
It is interesting to see the portfolios handed out by the ringmaster, or should that be mistress, and which clowns got what. 1. Jacinda Ardern – Minister of Poverty Reduction. A laugh first off. The word reduction is a complete misnomer. 2. Grant Robertson – Minister for Racing. Has to be horses
In his article in last weekend’s Herald Simon Wilson willfully and happily confessed to being a Pollyanna. His article certainly backs up his claim. Having devoted the first part of his two page spread to his fear of that megalomaniac Donald Trump, Simon turned his attention to domestic matters.
Simon is afraid. He writes – “I’m scared. I didn’t use to be scared. I’m usually the optimist in the room. Wilfully and happily so, I’m Pollyanna”. Simon rather reminds me of a shiver looking for a spine to crawl up. Over lunch, at the risk of
Laura Ingraham, who many of you will know from watching America’s only trustworthy cable news channel Fox News, is a woman of very high intellect. She is in good company as most presenters on Fox are of a similar ilk. Those on the other channels peddle falsehoods and a
Audrey Young tells me in the left-wing Weekend Herald headline, “Ardern looks ahead after digesting win and a whisky”. Well, she daren’t look back otherwise she’ll see what a dismal failure her first term was. All the key indicators in all the key areas were heading in
Act as of the present time has ten Members of Parliament. Having attended the Act Party election launch I had the privilege of hearing the top seven speak. They were all very impressive. I thought a bit of background on all of them might be helpful. David Seymour, the Leader,
It is interesting to learn that Peeni Henare would very much like to be the next Minister of Health. He evidently wants the job so badly that he is openly campaigning for it. He is of the opinion that if he’s given the job he will turn the health
In the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson won a substantial majority at the last election largely on the back of voters from the north of England who wanted Brexit. They were mainly concerned about jobs. Some electorates turned from red to blue for the first time in their history. Boris now
Thankfully most National Party MPs appear to be aware, from comments made, that the thrashing they received last Saturday was a wake-up call. This is a first step in the right direction. The next step is to realise that caucus and party unity are paramount. The behaviour of a
I’m quite fond of Mike Williams in a funny sort of way. He comes across as a loveable sort as in a cuddly teddy bear. His face wouldn’t go amiss on a packet of Huggies nappies. Just picture it, a lovely smile, every child’s idea of an
As many of us on The BFD are aware, days before the election, The Australian newspaper took aim at Jacinda with their foreign editor saying she was a “poor Prime Minister” and undeserving of her widespread acclaim. Most of us here would agree. But shock, horror; post election, our cousins
The National Party has suffered one of the heaviest defeats in its history. This defeat was partly, though not entirely, of its own making. It is obvious that there is a need for National to be a far more disciplined unit. Leaks must stop, blunders must be avoided and there
