It’s unlikely that there would be much support for such a headline here and highly likely that some will be working on recovery from a conniption fit for having been confronted by such a suggestion.
Hold on tight and come along on a journey that swims against the current here. Because sometimes, too many like minds cloud reality.
Those who see this government as the biggest debacle in the country’s history, can’t wait to see the end of it and it’s only natural to applaud and chalk up a list of their ever-increasing failings. It’s easy to not much like the personalities involved and to heap opprobrium on them at every opportunity, however, to believe that others see the same things in the same way, is a recipe for disappointment.
Like it or not, there’s a significant group of New Zealanders holding fast to the view that Jacinda is a wonderful breath of fresh air. Young, attractive, empathetic, comfortable around people of all ages, doesn’t care for airs and graces – she’s someone most kiwis can relate to. After 9 years of a government that missed every opportunity to do anything other than retain the status quo, she’s swept the country away in no uncertain terms, from the old conservative, boring (yes – you could say stale, white male) environment.
While some view the hundreds of “working groups” as inept and a complete waste of taxpayer money, others see them as sensible and measured management: Getting all the facts together before making a decision.
Her response to the Christchurch terror attack was to do what she’s best at which is loads of hugging and empathy and saying the “right” things. Without batting an eyelid, she announced a gun legislation change. Don’t be fooled into thinking the public at large share the views expressed here that it is useless folly or unfair. They didn’t bat an eyelid either. For many, it’s just a simple and sound decision. Who, after all needs guns that can kill people?
Say and believe what you will, but if you think she’s sliding in the polls, you’re probably dreaming. If polls really meant anything, Donald Trump wouldn’t be US President, Scott Morrison wouldn’t be Australian Prime Minister and the Brexit vote wouldn’t have been for Brexit.
This government wasn’t elected, it was appointed, so there’s little point debating the PM’s popularity in polls. It ends up being largely irrelevant. If you shop around a little amongst average, everyday kiwis, don’t be surprised if her popularity is higher than expected.
If the Greens and NZ First are there after the next election and the Nats still don’t have a potential coalition partner, it will again be the puppet master’s call as to who governs.
As far as Ms Ardern is concerned, despite the justifiable criticism from some quarters, it seems the majority still thinks she walks on water.