I’ve watched a number of National politicians come and go over the years. Some are not great and some are very good.
Simon Power is in the latter group. He is reasonable, willing to listen and never breaks his word. He gets things done.
Not that I always agree with what he does.
At one stage he was picked to lead the National Party. More recently that seemed a bit less likely mainly because he seemed to lack the mongrel necessary to get the job. He would however have done it well.
Parliament will be a poorer place without him.
He will be a great loss.
But you should learn now that you dont need mongrel to become PM. Key is a great example of that.
On the other hand – some MP’s have mongrel in spades – and he will never get anywhere.
meh.
Any word on why he left?
Maybe it’s just that he knows what they have planned if re-elected and being someone who values their personal integrity wants no part of it?
the Nat Party can ill afford to lose him – they really are a one trick pony now.
Thanks Jennifer. We ran a “pool” to see how long before someone posted a smear on here about it.
37 minutes. Very predictable.
Shock horror, maybe he wants to pursue other things like say Steve Maharey did?
Simon Power is in the latter group. He is reasonable, willing to listen and never breaks his word. He gets things done.
Fair enough, anyone who does the job of member of parliament or minister properly has to be handling a heavy workload. If Simon Power thinks it is time for him to leave, then it is time for him to leave.
Good luck to him.
I wonder who will be Minister of State Owned Enterprises now?
Steven Joyce – Minister of Everything.
I have to give Power credit for handling the MMP referendum in a manner that was acceptable to all parties… well all apart from the crACTpots.
Thanks David. We ran a “pool” round here to see how long before the first holier-than-thou piety troll arrived.
65 minutes. You’re slipping.
Nice post Trevor.
@david…. did you understand what was written by jennifer? obviously not.. i would hazard a guess that if simon power is as principled as trevor suggests, then he will be as sick of your kind of politics as we are.
I agree Trevor. I’ve had close dealings with two Ministers so far and Simon is by far the most reasonable and professional. I haven’t agreed with some of his law changes, but I have appreciated the respectful dealings with the Opposition.
I regret his decision.
I have been disappointed that he said one thing as opposition and then seemed to shelve his ideas for bi-partisan decision-making and focus on programmes to prevent crime and increase rehab BUT I wonder if he has been hamstrung somewhat by the ACT influence, and the populist drive.
I was surprised to see his announcement and sorry, because of who might replace him.
I wouldnt compare Power to Key because I think more of Power than to do that.
Key is not squeaky clean and of indisputable morals. He was happy to throw Brash to the wolves as the sacrificial lamb for he, Joyce and McCully.
All this old boy club back-slapping is all fine and dandy when someone’s on their way out. And I guess doing nasty things honestly is better than doing nasty thing dishonestly, but we shouldn’t get too carried away congratulating the guy when the nasty things Power’s done far outweigh the good things – the latter probably amounting to nothing more than how he did these nasty things, which may have been honestly but some were probably done dishonestly, too. The one good thing about Power going is that who ever replaces him will be less respected by the ill-informed public therefore lower Key’s mob’s chances of re-election (even if Labour could do with some time in purgatory so it can re-aligned itself with traditional Labour party values, which may take a few more terms than one – three during the 1990s clearly wasn’t enough).
Anton eat a couple of lemons and sweeten up. And most of the others who have commented here from both sides need to think about being generous to someone who has served the community pretty well rather than firing pot shots at each other. Frankly if you can’t do that I would prefer you commented somewhere else.
Sorry everyone, to you Trevor, and especially Simon. Deep down I know Simon’s a good guy with lots of integrity and only wants the best for all New Zealanders. He’ll be sorely missed. Go well, old boy, go well.
Katherine Rich and Simon Power always were in the wrong party…
I’m not going to miss his erosion of our freedoms and protections, although there will be plenty of power hungry (pun unfortunately intended) politicians to take his place…
Was this set on timer for 1 April and released early by accident?
@ David, you Tory mongrels eat your own young without hesitation. Clearly Simon is correct to get out.
A shame to see him go. By the same token I always thought the same of Maharey going. But I can understand it – there is always life after and frankly he probably had enough. 12 years is a long time in 1 occupation and no doubt he will go on to bigger and brighter things outside politics. Big ups Trevor for calling this the right way.
@Jennifer, Thats a no class comment. Awful spitefulness.
Will you two take your love fest elsewhere?
While I find it is laudable on Mr Mallard’s part to congratulate Mr Power – I would also question if I could find in my heart to thank someone who has eroded our legal system to such extend as Mr Power as done.