Colin James has an interesting column on the Hone Harawira saga in the Dom Post today (not on-line yet) that picks up the theme discussed here before of the potential impact of the loose coalition management that has marked the Key administration. While noting that at the moment John Key seems to have time and space to deal with unstable coalition partners, Colin says
But in politics sideshows sometimes rewrite the main act. Too many distractions and slips eventually become a defining characteristic. That is the spectre for Key’s loose government and most unusual three-way shack-up. To keep his three-legged runners synchronised will need tough-minded management, sooner rather than later. That is the real issue with Harawira. It’s a Key issue.
This is the reflective and intellectual equivalent of Michael Laws’ call for Helen to come back on Sunday! There is absolutely no sign that the need for that management is understood in the Beehive, nor exactly where it might come from.
Tough management also can not be substituted for straight out undermining of one’s partners either. The persistent rumour around Parliament is that the NZ Herald front page story on Rodney Hide paying back the costs of his trip to Hawaii came direct from a senior National figure. This sort of approach is at odds with John Key’s sunny public disposition and ‘relaxed” approach to being told he is not doing anything. In the end consistent, fair and firm is the way to go with coalition partners less it all unravel badly.
Senior National figure ? Is that code for Murray McCulley ?
The column is online, has been all day
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/politics/3066154/The-hard-task-of-honing-Hone
And, can you tak, me off moderation.
There is an ancient Chinese saying that would be quite apt when observing present circumstances …
‘Hide daggers behind smiles’
“…consistent, fair and firm is the way to go with coalition partners…”
There you have it. Labours attitude is to treat them like children.
@Pat. That approach is a two-way street. Unless there is clarity and honesty in the relationship it will, eventually, crumble.
Strictly speaking the Maori Party is not in a formal coalition with National. ACT, United Future and the Maori Party are support parties (of the National-led Government) who have signed Confidence and Supply Agreements.
[...] My colleague Grant Robertson posted about this yesterday [...]