The cosy behind the scenes deal between National and ACT in the Epsom seat raises the question as to what other deals have been made between John Key and Don Brash in the run up to the election.
This morning we had the bizzare spectacle of Don Brash telling Radio New Zealand (story 6.35) he has had discussions with John Key about a deal in Epsom, and John Key trying to deny to Newstalk ZB that a decision has been reached about deal of the electorate vote.
Of course a deal has been done. But the real question is what Cabinet role he has offered Don Brash if National is re-elected.
The discussions Key and Brash have been having will have included what role Key might offer Brash. Its quite clear that if National is re-elected, Don Brash will be a Cabinet Minister, and will bring his extreme and divisive policies to the table. Its time for Key to be upfront about their discussions so that voters can make their choice in November fully aware of the role ACT would play in any future National led-government.
Also interesting in a later Radio NZ piece this morning were the voters in Epsom who were “irritated” felt “taken advantage of” and saw ACT as “National in disguise“. They all know that once again they are being taken for granted. It shows a lack of respect to them form National and ACT that they are not being offered a real choice by these two parties. The only real choice for Epsom voters will come from a Labour candidate.
It is arrogant of National and ACT to put up the biographer (Goldsmith) and his subject (Banks) as their candidates. It is a faux contest between two friends, and two parties who are hand in glove. With the Brash coup and the Banks/Goldsmith stitch-up it is becoming hard to tell where National ends and ACT begins.
