Transtasman Political Letter – 29 March Digest

29th March 2007

Political firestorm engulfs Govt on Bradford anti-smacking Bill...
Govt worried by tensions the bill has caused in support parties...
Bill could shake foundation of left-green bulwark...
Top marks for Clark in international diplomacy...
Will she be rewarded with a return visit to NZ by President?...
Electoral spending rules to be tightened...
And record export prices bring a smile to dairy farmers.

Govt Embroiled In Political Firestorm

The Govt, already behind in the polls, could be taking an even bigger hit as a result of the political firestorm against Sue Bradford’s anti-smacking Bill.

Worries On Tensions Within Coalition Partners

Deputy PM Michael Cullen says “hysteria” over the Bill will pass once people understand it. Labour wants to avoid drawing out the legislative process still longer, because is worried about the pressure being brought to bear not just on some of its own MPs in marginal seats, but on the divisions it is creating among its coalition partners.

Top Marks For International Diplomacy

Confirmation of the success of Helen Clark’s diplomacy in Washington has already been visible in the wave of favourable publicity the mission generated.

Greens Say Emitters Should Pay

Unveiling its policy to cut carbon emissions the Green Party says the burden of absorbing the cost of emissions should be borne by large corporations and those mining or importing fossil fuels.

CAPITAL TALK

“Sex, gambling and booze.” Helen Clark tells reporters which issues get conscience votes in Parliament - and she doesn’t think smacking is one of them.

Play Of The Week: Responsibility, Where Art Thou?

The decision to stop a Chinese journalist doing his job, on the advice of Chinese officials, wasn’t their’s, apparently, although they had some trouble saying whose it was.

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