The economists, who comment for the news media, today stated that “there are indications that the current down turn in the economy is over”. They predict the New Zealand economy will move in a positive direction from now, on gradually recovering in the medium to long term. The more stable price of oil, the expected change in the weather, and the pending tax cuts all being contributing factors. Perhaps the main factor that is holding things back, is the imminent general election. Polls to date have suggested that a new right government will be elected. The recent lack of political acumen on the part of opposition members and their new leader have tended to shadow this inevitability. MMP means that unless the governing party gains a very large portion of the vote they can not govern alone. For the right to form a coalition may be difficult particularly now the leader has ruled out one of the more significant minority parties…..
Is all Publicity Good Publicity?
With the New Zealand General Election just around the corner the minority parties are doing every thing they can to raise their public profile. One of the minor party leaders even going as far as wearing a yellow sports coat. The same party leader has been vigorously attacking and probing at every session. If one tries to look beyond the obvious you have to wonder what the real story is. There seems no doubt the yellow jacketed leader had been in the in the public eye both for the yellow jacket and for his attacks on the other minor party that has been singled out for not declaring donations and gifts. I don’t have any evidence at this time on which to base a personal opinion and have not formed one. There are two inquiries under way one of which is the SFO who I am sure have some very qualified and experienced staff to undertake such an inquiry.
Some questions that need to be considered are- Is MMP achieving the lofty ideals it is intended for? Are we ever likely to know all the facts of just what the powers that be want us to know? Is there some grand master plan which is now starting to evolve?
There is certainly a serious political situation/crisis that needs to be rectified and perhaps this will happen sooner then we all expect.