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Maybe OK

Entry 893, on 2008-11-19 at 21:03:59 (Rating 3, Politics)

The New Zealand election has been over for a week and a half now and the new National lead government is setting itself up, so it might be time to make an initial appraisal regarding how they might perform. Well actually its far too early to really know so any comments at this time would really be pure speculation, but that has never stopped me in the past so let the speculation begin!

My thought at this point is that the new government is maybe OK. You are probably aware of the concept of "damning with faint praise" and this is surely an example of that, but let's be fair here: I find it hard to be genuinely enthusiastic regarding any political party so "maybe OK" is about as good as it gets!

Its interesting to read through the comments people have made regarding their impressions of the new government so far. I would have to say that very few show any real appreciation of the situation or any degree of objective evaluation. Let's have a look at some comments from the New Zealand Herald web site comment system here...

How about this one: "It is very refreshing to see a Prime Minister who is prepared to give positions to people on the basis of how well they are expected to do the job rather than pandering to the egos of the people who have done him favours." Really? Minister of Maori Affairs: Pita Sharples, Community and Voluntary Sector: Tariana Turia, Local Government Minister: Rodney Hide, Consumer Affairs: Heather Roy, Revenue: Peter Dunne. Would these appointments have been made if they were not repaying favours? I don't think so!

Such enthusiasm here: "What a wind of exhilarating change has swept through NZ politics. Straight talking, accountability, performance and most importantly, getting on with it." Getting on with it? You can tell all this before they even do anything? Maybe this person is a National supporter who is determined to see only good even when it doesn't exist.

I actually agree with this one: "I did not vote National because of their past misdeeds, but I am very very impressed with the way John Key has taken the reins. Up and at it and performance is the criteria." Yes, true. At this early stage I am impressed with John Key as well. But ask me again in a year!

This was interesting: "Steven Joyce was on Sunrise this morning. He impressively managed not to answer any questions and talk entirely in marketing language." Some people are naturally dishonest and the least trustworthy people of all are marketers. So this isn't a good sign, is it?

I guess pessimists are never disappointed: "After the honeymoon period is over, out will slowly come the policies to slash benefits, sell the few remaining state assets and privatise everything including your water supply." Yes, maybe. That is really what I am afraid might happen. Even though I am always suspicious of right-wing governments I am not going to totally agree with this. Its certainly possible but I hope it doesn't happen and we will just have to wait and see.

This one was a lot more realistic: "The proof of the pudding will be in the eating and not in the mixing of the cake!" Well yes, obviously but its a bit cowardly not making some sort of prediction anyway. And: "The real metal of this four-headed monster will occur around the time of their second budget..." Yes, interesting that National have created a government consisting of a 4 headed monster when they specifically warned against a similar possibility with a Labour lead government with several supporting parties!

So yes, I have to admit that I am impressed so far but that really means little so early in the process. In about a year I might try to gather some similar opinions and see how things have changed. That should be interesting!

Comment 1 (1807) by NJS on 2008-11-19 at 21:56:30:

and Steven Joyce is the new ICT minister. Oh crap…

Comment 2 (1808) by OJB on 2008-11-20 at 09:43:02:

Not sure about Steven Joyce. He seems to make all the right noises regarding being pragmatic, helping small business, etc, but that means very little, of course. What is it specifically that you find so worrying about him?

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