Transtasman Political Letter – Budget Special

Obscure MP quits his party, shakes the Govt, but Clark says it’s business as usual...
Cullen’s eighth budget could be economically brilliant and politically cunning, but will it impress the punters?...
Public disquiet on policing and justice systems is mounting...
Will Taito Phillip Field get the knock on his door next week...
And Xmas comes early for Morrison & Co.

Copeland Defects, But Govt Insists It Still Has The Numbers

The sudden defection of Gordon Copeland from one of the Govt support parties United Future came as a shock to UF leader Peter Dunne, and, momentarily, threatened the Govt’s hold on power.

Electorate Sceptical On Cullen Strategy

The politics of Michael Cullen’s eighth Budget will be played out over the next few weeks.

Are The Vultures Circling?

Michael Cullen has made it clear he intends this Budget not to be his last. He wants to deliver the election-year Budget, and serve again as Finance Minister beyond 2008.

Key’s Big Stride In Preferred-PM Rating

Political commentaries this week have taken their cue from the TV3-TNS poll, which not only showed National 12 points ahead of Labour, but also ended Helen Clark’s 8-year lead in the preferred PM ratings.

CAPITAL TALK

Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel has reappointed Joanna Perry and Annabel Cotton as members of the Securities Commission.

Play Of The Week: It’s The Quiet Ones You Have To Watch

We suggested here last week perhaps a Christian-based party was in the making, and this could solve the centre-right’s long-term problem of a coalition partner. It appears others have been thinking similar thoughts.

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