12 May 2014

McCann picks home base over Party List

“It’s represent Kapiti and Horowhenua, or bust,” says Labour Candidate for Otaki, Rob McCann. “Our region deserves someone in Parliament who puts this community first, party politics second.”

The ‘Region Three’ Labour Party List Conference is being held this weekend in Palmerston North and local Labour candidate Rob McCann has not put his name forward.

Members of Parliament are elected either by local people who vote for an MP to represent their electorate, or through a party list, which is chosen by the party. Currently there are 50 MPs elected via the list and 70 electorate MPs. The new seat in Auckland will increase this to 71 electorates.

“For me, it was an easy decision to make. Our local members want someone who is committed to the region, not someone who just wants to get into Parliament. I want to represent my home.

“Although there are many hard working list MPs in Parliament, I got into politics to represent my community. That’s what drives me”.

Numerous pundits have commented that Mr Guy has been struggling in a range of portfolios and when the issue becomes demanding, National replaces him with a more capable minister. The Dominion Post rated him a four out of ten: “Leaden delivery, leaden performance. Too often appears to be a mouthpiece for his officials, it would be good if he showed he was capable of saying something he had thought of himself. He drops from 5 to 4 (out of 10).” [Dominion Post, 07/12/13]

Despite his lacklustre ministerial performance, Nathan Guy is likely to be rewarded for towing the party line rather than representing the region, and this will help to ensure his position on the list.

"When we're out door knocking and attending events, people tell me they don't see Mr Guy, and often refer to him as 'who’s that guy'. That's a real shame for the electorate. Being available, supporting the whole of the community and advocating for our electorate, are core responsibilities for an electorate MP: responsibilities I will uphold,” says Mr McCann.

ENDS

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