Hamilton Candidates evening.
Last night while John Key and Helen Clark were duking it out on TV3's final debate, Hamilton electors had the chance to be face to face with their possible candidates last night. Hamilton East candidates Sue Moroney (Labour), incumbent National MP David Bennett, Republican candidate Jack Gielan, Green Linda Persson, Doug Wollerton from NZ First, Robyn Jackson from the Demorats for Social Credit, then the Westies incumbent Martin Gallagher, National hopeful Tim Macindoe, independant and former Mayor candidate Dr Suresh Vatsyantann were present and to be honest there was a good debate but others performed better than the rest.
This blog while not going to single one person out is going to rate the performance of the candidates and give an opinion. When I walked into that session last night undecided when it came to candidate, but I walked out more sure than ever as to whom was going to get my vote.
Now...for context, for the past elections, dating back to my first vote in 1993 I have voted Labour but have never offically joined a party and I think that this year is the most attention I have paid to any election.
Labour I'm going to deal with together as they were both as pitiful and entertaining as each other, as well as their crony group of girl scouts were in the front row, so blind to the Labour party idiocy and lack of understanding of reality that it hardly took a genius to see the brick walls go up and the knives come out when any other party took the floor.
I can now see some sense in someone making Sue Moroney's signs say Moron. She got so wrapped up in attacking the history of the National Party that she failed on more than one occassion to answer the simple questions in front of her, even when it came to possible aspirations in parliament to ascend to cabinet, heaven forbid. In some cases she reminded me of Sarah Palin, but then that insults Palin. I'm glad im a westie in this election, that means that I don't have to think about her that much. Actually, Dr Vatsyantann used a word a couple of times that best fits Sue. Ignorant and in bliss with it. I found her talking about American politics with my wife in the room rather amusing. She had no idea what she was talking about. Like I said...I'm glad I'm voting in the west because I don't have to think about her ignorance and I can happily live in my own.
I would have thought that Sue when addressing the question about cabinet aspirations that she would have known ranking on the list does not necessarily relate to order of cabinet consideration. She tried to use that as a tactic when pointing out Nanaia Mahuta was a cabinet minister. Oh...Martin, no one said she was doing a bad job, but to be honest with you, as a cabinet MP, I would have thought she would have had a higher public profile than she seems to have had. I visited one place with her and she barely said boo to anyone she didnt seem to know. The questions were asked of You and Moroney because you both seem to have the higher public profile. We know Macindoe and Bennett are 55 and 44 respectivly on the list but just as deep on the bench are Moroney and Gallagher, 22 and 41.
I'm disappointed with Martin, then again I have been for some time. He on many occassions artfuly dodged questions with simple answers. One answer last night he did give relating to a yes or no question put to him actually was bang on and he did well to give a concise answer. But again, fixated on history and focused on track record. A flyer handed out last night has five things listed with ticks beside it that Labour have brought in. Kiwirail buy back, Paid parental leave, NZ Super fund, Interest free student loans and a forth weeks annual leave and noting that National has voted against them. They focused too much on the Employment Contracts act. Ancient history. Useless. No points there.
I found it interesting though that they didn't seem to want to stand by some of the more controvertial items of legislation. Prostitution reform, civil unions, anti-smacking, welfare dependancy in the form of working for families. Labour voted for those things. Not even a conscience vote. If they were so certain that 'the people' wanted these things they would have at least done that.
Labour over all...2/5 (1 point each for showing up)
Dr Suresh Vatsyantann - Independant.
I again give you kudos for standing. Congratulations on the new member to the family. Much of what was said by the good doctor was filled with well intentioned and good thoughts but to me, the thinking is far beyond what this parliament needs and is ready for. I think much too like Jack Geilan these were good ideals to work towards, but this country is in need of some serious practical and hands on action rather than well though of and well intentioned ideals.
You impressed me more than you did with your Mayor race, though I'm still a long way off moving my vote to you. Too many left field statements and nirvana. Unfortunately nirvana and the real world aren't the same place.
2.5/5 (Though .5 of that has to go to the little purple soft toy. got to give props to the props.)
Jack Geilan - Republic Party of New Zealand.
Dude, you could have at least shown up in a clean shirt. When you shook the hands of my wife and I and started prattling off your political speel, we had a hard time focusing on you or your politics because we were distracted by your dirty shirt. Hell, carry a spare my friend if your going to mingle with the public to present yourself as a serious option.
Good ideals again. Nothing firm. Basically, wants New Zealand to run in isolation from the rest of the world. While being a Christian myself and would like to have a country to be lead by people of religious integrity, there needs to be a clear separation of church and state. This country is not and will never be a Vatican City and its too late to try and create one. While I favour the re-birth of the treaty, its place and relevance need to be re-visited to modern New Zealand. This I agree needs to happen, but Mr Geilan was very short on the details.
He seemed also to be quite at pains to point out things Labour had not done, like crisis centres for men, getting people out of poverty, it probably would have scored better had you pointed out neither had National. Most times he spoke I found myself audibly saying ring the bell. My wife had a good comment that I just had to add in...next time you come to one of these meetings, don't come looking like you had just been on an alnight bender. Tuck your shirt in properly and get a clean one.
1.5/5. (Deal with the shirt man, you might get another .5).
Carolyn McKenzie - Democrats for Social Credit.
I thought the Magilicuddy party was gone. Sorry. Not fair but I was entertained by this one. Basically, cut all ties with international financial institutions and economies and become our own little socialist nation. Basically their whole policy vision would destroy what was left of the delicate frablic of New Zealand society.
Let me know when the Democrats make it into parliament. I'll leave the country.
1.5/5.
Doug Wollerton - New Zealand First.
Do I bother with this one or not! Will they make the 5% and will someone win a seat? Doubt it.
2/5 for showing up but its time to think about another job if you havn't already done so.
Linda Persson - Greens
The Greens candidate again was full of ideals but short on practical short term solutions. I find it interesting to note that she didn't seem overly confident around others. A tremendous academic to be sure, but some times the ones brains aren't the ones we are after, just a little common sense. I find myself feeling that having put in a garden that I'm turing somewhat green...but I'm a long way off going Green voting.
3/5
It takes a lot for me to be impressed by National but I have to say I was impressed. Both Tim Macindoe and David Bennett stayed well clear of engaging with Labour in the mud slinging contest and tried, where possible to engage in statements of clarity and direction. They didnt always succeed and not always addressed the question, and it seems to me, didnt have the need for a cheering section in the front row like the Labour crowd did. To think about it, a couple of those girl scouts were quite obnoxious.
I was impressed with first termer David Bennett. He at least made an effort to rebut hammer head Moroney. That will be an interesting contest to watch this weekend but I predict mr Bennett to hold the seat with Ms Moroney to come in second place...but shes in parliament anyways.
3.5/5 for performance.
When it comes to the west where I am, it will be a tight contest. Gallagher has failed to impress me over this last term, particularly when it comes to the sticking with the party line and not dealing with his constituants fairly. He has not done well by most of them and last night failed to impress me remotely. On the other hand, primary challenger Tim Macindoe impressed me with his concise and precise answers to questions. He like Mr Bennett kept his cool, despite the snarky remarks from Moroney and the crony brigade up the front row.
Well done Tim. 3.5/5.
Anyways, I thought overall it was an evenings worth of free entertainment hosted by the Hamilton branch of the National Council of Women, and its the last event of its kind before Saturdays polling. They did an awesome job in moderating the night, keeping the candidates in line and the crony brigade. Was a well organised evening though starting half an hour late and ending at 10pm was a little longer than I expected.
Like I said, after years of voting Labour, the time has come for a change and that change comes in the form of a new Government. I can see Labour is fixated in the past, National is looking towards the future at this stage...they have my vote.
(Bloggers note: Minor amendments made 9:28pm 4th November.)
This blog while not going to single one person out is going to rate the performance of the candidates and give an opinion. When I walked into that session last night undecided when it came to candidate, but I walked out more sure than ever as to whom was going to get my vote.
Now...for context, for the past elections, dating back to my first vote in 1993 I have voted Labour but have never offically joined a party and I think that this year is the most attention I have paid to any election.
Labour I'm going to deal with together as they were both as pitiful and entertaining as each other, as well as their crony group of girl scouts were in the front row, so blind to the Labour party idiocy and lack of understanding of reality that it hardly took a genius to see the brick walls go up and the knives come out when any other party took the floor.
I can now see some sense in someone making Sue Moroney's signs say Moron. She got so wrapped up in attacking the history of the National Party that she failed on more than one occassion to answer the simple questions in front of her, even when it came to possible aspirations in parliament to ascend to cabinet, heaven forbid. In some cases she reminded me of Sarah Palin, but then that insults Palin. I'm glad im a westie in this election, that means that I don't have to think about her that much. Actually, Dr Vatsyantann used a word a couple of times that best fits Sue. Ignorant and in bliss with it. I found her talking about American politics with my wife in the room rather amusing. She had no idea what she was talking about. Like I said...I'm glad I'm voting in the west because I don't have to think about her ignorance and I can happily live in my own.
I would have thought that Sue when addressing the question about cabinet aspirations that she would have known ranking on the list does not necessarily relate to order of cabinet consideration. She tried to use that as a tactic when pointing out Nanaia Mahuta was a cabinet minister. Oh...Martin, no one said she was doing a bad job, but to be honest with you, as a cabinet MP, I would have thought she would have had a higher public profile than she seems to have had. I visited one place with her and she barely said boo to anyone she didnt seem to know. The questions were asked of You and Moroney because you both seem to have the higher public profile. We know Macindoe and Bennett are 55 and 44 respectivly on the list but just as deep on the bench are Moroney and Gallagher, 22 and 41.
I'm disappointed with Martin, then again I have been for some time. He on many occassions artfuly dodged questions with simple answers. One answer last night he did give relating to a yes or no question put to him actually was bang on and he did well to give a concise answer. But again, fixated on history and focused on track record. A flyer handed out last night has five things listed with ticks beside it that Labour have brought in. Kiwirail buy back, Paid parental leave, NZ Super fund, Interest free student loans and a forth weeks annual leave and noting that National has voted against them. They focused too much on the Employment Contracts act. Ancient history. Useless. No points there.
I found it interesting though that they didn't seem to want to stand by some of the more controvertial items of legislation. Prostitution reform, civil unions, anti-smacking, welfare dependancy in the form of working for families. Labour voted for those things. Not even a conscience vote. If they were so certain that 'the people' wanted these things they would have at least done that.
Labour over all...2/5 (1 point each for showing up)
Dr Suresh Vatsyantann - Independant.
I again give you kudos for standing. Congratulations on the new member to the family. Much of what was said by the good doctor was filled with well intentioned and good thoughts but to me, the thinking is far beyond what this parliament needs and is ready for. I think much too like Jack Geilan these were good ideals to work towards, but this country is in need of some serious practical and hands on action rather than well though of and well intentioned ideals.
You impressed me more than you did with your Mayor race, though I'm still a long way off moving my vote to you. Too many left field statements and nirvana. Unfortunately nirvana and the real world aren't the same place.
2.5/5 (Though .5 of that has to go to the little purple soft toy. got to give props to the props.)
Jack Geilan - Republic Party of New Zealand.
Dude, you could have at least shown up in a clean shirt. When you shook the hands of my wife and I and started prattling off your political speel, we had a hard time focusing on you or your politics because we were distracted by your dirty shirt. Hell, carry a spare my friend if your going to mingle with the public to present yourself as a serious option.
Good ideals again. Nothing firm. Basically, wants New Zealand to run in isolation from the rest of the world. While being a Christian myself and would like to have a country to be lead by people of religious integrity, there needs to be a clear separation of church and state. This country is not and will never be a Vatican City and its too late to try and create one. While I favour the re-birth of the treaty, its place and relevance need to be re-visited to modern New Zealand. This I agree needs to happen, but Mr Geilan was very short on the details.
He seemed also to be quite at pains to point out things Labour had not done, like crisis centres for men, getting people out of poverty, it probably would have scored better had you pointed out neither had National. Most times he spoke I found myself audibly saying ring the bell. My wife had a good comment that I just had to add in...next time you come to one of these meetings, don't come looking like you had just been on an alnight bender. Tuck your shirt in properly and get a clean one.
1.5/5. (Deal with the shirt man, you might get another .5).
Carolyn McKenzie - Democrats for Social Credit.
I thought the Magilicuddy party was gone. Sorry. Not fair but I was entertained by this one. Basically, cut all ties with international financial institutions and economies and become our own little socialist nation. Basically their whole policy vision would destroy what was left of the delicate frablic of New Zealand society.
Let me know when the Democrats make it into parliament. I'll leave the country.
1.5/5.
Doug Wollerton - New Zealand First.
Do I bother with this one or not! Will they make the 5% and will someone win a seat? Doubt it.
2/5 for showing up but its time to think about another job if you havn't already done so.
Linda Persson - Greens
The Greens candidate again was full of ideals but short on practical short term solutions. I find it interesting to note that she didn't seem overly confident around others. A tremendous academic to be sure, but some times the ones brains aren't the ones we are after, just a little common sense. I find myself feeling that having put in a garden that I'm turing somewhat green...but I'm a long way off going Green voting.
3/5
It takes a lot for me to be impressed by National but I have to say I was impressed. Both Tim Macindoe and David Bennett stayed well clear of engaging with Labour in the mud slinging contest and tried, where possible to engage in statements of clarity and direction. They didnt always succeed and not always addressed the question, and it seems to me, didnt have the need for a cheering section in the front row like the Labour crowd did. To think about it, a couple of those girl scouts were quite obnoxious.
I was impressed with first termer David Bennett. He at least made an effort to rebut hammer head Moroney. That will be an interesting contest to watch this weekend but I predict mr Bennett to hold the seat with Ms Moroney to come in second place...but shes in parliament anyways.
3.5/5 for performance.
When it comes to the west where I am, it will be a tight contest. Gallagher has failed to impress me over this last term, particularly when it comes to the sticking with the party line and not dealing with his constituants fairly. He has not done well by most of them and last night failed to impress me remotely. On the other hand, primary challenger Tim Macindoe impressed me with his concise and precise answers to questions. He like Mr Bennett kept his cool, despite the snarky remarks from Moroney and the crony brigade up the front row.
Well done Tim. 3.5/5.
Anyways, I thought overall it was an evenings worth of free entertainment hosted by the Hamilton branch of the National Council of Women, and its the last event of its kind before Saturdays polling. They did an awesome job in moderating the night, keeping the candidates in line and the crony brigade. Was a well organised evening though starting half an hour late and ending at 10pm was a little longer than I expected.
Like I said, after years of voting Labour, the time has come for a change and that change comes in the form of a new Government. I can see Labour is fixated in the past, National is looking towards the future at this stage...they have my vote.
(Bloggers note: Minor amendments made 9:28pm 4th November.)
Labels: 2008 Election, Labour08, National Party
posted by Wiremu Bayliss at
6:24 am
3 Comments:
A superb and indepth comment on the meeting, and as I have seen in recent weeks the pattern is emerging that Labour are stuck in the mud and mire of the past, and throwing that mud with all the gusto of a 3 year old having a tantrum ... while National are looking to the future, and where they could so easily throw mud back (for there is plenty of dirt on Labour that can readily be dug up) they are mature and focussed on doing the best for all. Excellent summary.
Kiaora Wiremu,
I've often heard that there should be as you put it (in your blog regarding Jack Gieland): "a separation of church & state".
As a fellow Lds what does that mean to you? Just seeking some clarification on what it actually means? Bearing in mind the entire legal system foundations are derived from biblical principles.
Kind regards,
Patu
P.S Which have been eroded over the years, with law changes viz: Sunday trading, Homosexual Law Reform, Civil Union Act, Prostitution Act which the porn & whore industry are taking advantage of (Boobs on bikes in Auckland & today at Parliament).
I don't think National or Labour are the right parties to lead this country. So for me one tick for Angeline Greensill (Maori Party) & one tick to the Family Party.
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