Transtasman Political Letter – 27 October Digest

27th October 2005

Brash lets McCully off the leash to take the Parliamentary battle to Winston, who finds his PM will back him up in a tight spot
…The new Transport and Energy Minister has a big hurdle to climb
… But Michael Cullen may have the toughest task as the economy starts to slide and unions pressure him over Air NZ
… And just who is on Helen’s retirement hit list?

McCully Unleashed Against Peters In Brash’s Reshuffle

National Party leader Don Brash has given seasoned attack politician Murray McCully the Foreign Affairs portfolio in his new Shadow Cabinet, putting him up against Winston Peters. The appointment signals total war against Peters and his controversial appointment as a senior Minister outside Cabinet.

Some Big Losers In Brash’s New Team

The sobriquet for National’s Simon Power “the pinstripe jailer from Manawatu” gained semi-official recognition this week through his becoming Spokesman for Law and Order (police and corrections) in National’s new line-up.

Helen Targets Non Performers For Retirement Hit List

PM Clark’s “exit with dignity” strategy has been forced on Labour by its last three election results. Because its Party vote share hardly moved (38.74%, 41.26% and 41.1%) the Party’s Caucus has remained largely unchanged.

Clark’s Speech To Parliament Will Set The Agenda

Parliament is expected to be recalled on November 8 and Helen Clark’s opening speech will set an agenda focused on Growth and Productivity. She used an address to the CTU Conference this week to signal an end to social policy initiatives, and sources say “politically correct” items are definitely off the legislative menu

CAPITAL TALK

Career Diplomat Lucy Duncan has been appointed NZ’s next ambassador to Argentina, replacing Carl Worker. Duncan takes up the appointment in January ...

Play of the week: Who’s Queen?

This Govt so far has been largely about Winston. He’s been everywhere. It’s been a re-run of 1996-97, when a casual visitor from Mars might have gained the impression the then-Treasurer Winston Peters and one or two of his other MPs, Tuku Morgan and his amazing technicolour undergarments; Tau Henare and his wrap-arounds being prominent, were the only people in Govt.

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