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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 27, 2006 18:14:42 GMT 12
7 years of Labour - yes it sounds like a punishment for a crime, but today is exactly seven years since Helen Clark became Prime Minister and Labour became Government. So I guess it's very nearly seven years since the F-16's were cancelled.   |
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Post by corsair67 on Nov 27, 2006 18:26:42 GMT 12
Time flies when you're having fun............!  I can't believe the Dragon has been in charge that long: is John Key going to be the St George that New Zealand needs?  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 27, 2006 18:49:53 GMT 12
Er, he's a politician too remember. Frying pan and fire come to mind.
However he did come across as fairly normal in the John Campbell interview tonight. And also he doesn't sound like one of these groomed, stick to the line or else politicians like all of Labour's lot (notice they all ahvbe the same speech patterns and same answers?).
I heard this morning that Key is to give a speech on Thursday detailing his Foreign Policy and Defences stances. That could be worth looking at.
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Post by corsair67 on Nov 27, 2006 18:57:53 GMT 12
That is certainly true - it's definitely a case of voting for whoever will shaft you the least.  That will be interesting to hear/read. |
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Post by steve on Nov 27, 2006 23:14:09 GMT 12
John Key is a certain shoe in for the next PM however I am not holding my breath on his foreign affairs and defence policy. So many Kiwis have isolated themselves in greens policy etc and anything slightly pro Aus US (ANZUS) and western alliance would detract the female voters that National really needs to gain power. Last election national lost big time on the women voters.I will delighted if I am wrong.
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Post by phil82 on Nov 28, 2006 13:28:14 GMT 12
I've never voted Labour, and I would especially never vote for a Labour Government led by Helen because of her socialist attitudes. I have , however, written some very pointed letters to some National MPs over the years, particularly to that dreadful Shipley woman when she was spouting off about giving the strike force back to the air force. It was political garbage.
But I like this guy John Key, and I recently wrote to the president of the National Party and sais they could forget my vote if they didn't make him leader!
Yeah, I know, I can be stroppy at times! But Brash wasn't a politician, and Helen could eat him for breakfast, but she won't do that with Key. He's intelligent, and young, and he'll be the next PM of NZ with any luck.
Just don't expect a new air force! You won't get one!
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Post by phil82 on Nov 28, 2006 13:35:14 GMT 12
Just as an aside; a reminder of just how laid back New Zealand is. When I was first posted to Wellington and married [1970 if you want to know, which makes for 36 years of wedded bliss!], we had a flat just around the corner from the then PMs house. It was Kiwi Keih Holyoake, and he used to walk to work, and it was not at all unusual; for him to stop and talk to people on the way, myself included one day when in uniform!
Well, I was in Wellington this morning, on Lambton Quay, and who should be walking the other way but Jim Bolger. Natuarally, I said, "G'day Jim, howzitgoing" and carried on, but he did reply! " Couldn't be better, and the sun's shining".
Pretty beaut place to live ...eh!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 28, 2006 13:44:54 GMT 12
Great story there Colin, but I hope his worries don't concern Kiwibank. :-)
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Post by steve on Nov 30, 2006 15:30:02 GMT 12
Colin...spot on... after reading John Keys foreign affairs /defence outline...No to ANZUS and anti nuclear powered ships visits...no surpise. Howver I do like the idea of restarting the white paper process and get more public input. Also he stressed the importance of closer defence relationship with Aus and improving the US friendship...
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Post by corsair67 on Nov 30, 2006 16:02:31 GMT 12
Steve, is there anywhere online with John's defence and foreign policy outline?
I'd be interested to read it.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 30, 2006 16:40:50 GMT 12
Helen Clark has just been given a payrise of $14,000. It will be backdated to July. This brings her weekly income to around $7000 a week, and $360,000 per year. Is she worth it? I don't think so.
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Post by steve on Nov 30, 2006 17:15:57 GMT 12
Try the NZ National Party site which gives John Keys speech on line...I heard him on radio stating the defence has to involve the people more and the Pacific is so unstable...At present there is australia leading defence expert here ..professor?? whatever who is holding talks with keys and party....
Helen Clark will have to watch her back now...Phil Goff is a smooth operator ...she is no maggie thatcher...
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Post by steve on Nov 30, 2006 17:23:30 GMT 12
Just heard over TV that the air combat wing rebuild has not been ruled out under national govt...BS i suspect just to much to spend in relationship to a fighter bomber squadron...however alternatives such as chopper gunships possible...
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Post by flyjoe180 on Dec 1, 2006 13:17:49 GMT 12
Clark definitely isnt worth $7000 a week. I also don't see that any other PM will be either. Maybe with the help of the Aussies we can revive a small force of armed strike aircraft? Standby for increasing BS over the next six months or so.
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