Sneak Preview for Election Next Year
2007-10-15 23:39:00.0
AUTHOR: Denise Krum
Don’t you love “reality checks?”
I just had a sneak preview for next year’s election. Last week I attended a forum of politicians addressing 7th form students at a well known boys high school in Auckland and there were 5 political parties represented on the panel. You may be thinking that next year’s race might be looking interesting, but based on what I saw, I’d recommend you hold on to your seats….you might just fall off them with boredom.
Here’s my take on what was said:
The National party person – “My wallet is king and my party is royalty and all minor parties are court jesters”,
The Labour person – “We’ve been spending millions on loads of government programmes – isn’t it great?”,
The Greens guy – “Just feel our vibe on climate change – (and don’t worry about other details)”.
The NZ First person – “It’s a scary world out there and we’d like to highlight all your possible fears”
The Act guy – […he didn’t turn up. Even though this event was held in his electorate…for which he fought tooth and nail…but what’s a few votes from a few sons of a few potentially influential constituents?]
The Maori party – also M.I.A. (but potential voter base virtually nil by anyone’s account so that may have been prudent time management on their part)
But then there was also Peter Dunne, the only leader of a political party in attendance. He wished the students well in their upcoming exams and spoke of the importance and positive influence a centre party can have on the NZ political scene. A tale telling sign, as later in the programme several of the other panelists stated how they would never work with one another after the next election.
That’s inspiring!
Let’s think of the most lackluster, off-putting, undemocratic, self-important conduct we can muster and display it to the next generation of voters. Why is it that some people (including current MPs) seem to think that the only political options available are the old, ideology-bound options, and therefore chuck out reason, real life, and moderation out the door?
Bring on a United Future I say! We in the centre have never looked so good, hopeful, and aware of how life really works…and considering how everything else on offer for next year looks so stale, the centre is getting fresher by the minute.