There is an awful irony about the passing of the EFB.
The backlash against Labour is driving the high National poll results. Average Kiwis are now heartily sick of Labour's arrogance and defiance of public opinion. The EFB is only one more instance of this. National's popularity is a vote against Labour.
In the latest poll not one minor party was above 5 percent. I understand that the likelihood of this carrying through to election day, based on past trends, is low. But it is nevertheless a possibility.
Most New Zealanders voted for MMP. They wanted minority viewpoints represented and more consultative government. If they flock to National, desperate to get rid of Clark, they risk delivering an even less accountable government. And they risk losing an MMP parliament.
In which case democracy will be dealt a double blow as all those who support neither National nor Labour lose representation in the house and in the select committees.
Labour and the Greens and NZ First have scuppered freedom of expression with the EFB. People need to take care now not to let their reaction further undermine the ability of all New Zealanders to participate in some way in the law-making processes of their country.
RANZ Update
1 hour ago
4 comments:
As you point out, Lindsay, all minor Party supporters must stick to there party or risk their beloved MMP. Even a binding referendum would see MMP gone as it has delivered such appalling Government. No, better to keep the socialists in power with all the back room dealing than risk an even less accountable Government. Small parties in Parliament keep the big ones honest. Go Lindsay!
What about the behaviour of meretricious Peter Dunne?
As usual, he appears to be hedging his bets. He supported the EFB all the way, only to vote against it at the very last minute, citing public opinion for his change of mind.
That man has no scruples.
"there" read "their" above.
"Small parties in Parliament keep the big ones honest."
Oh yes--that's worked very well with Labour, hasn't it?
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