New Zealanders better hope, for the sake of the trans-Tasman relationship, that Jacinda Ardern is not returned to the Prime Minister’s office this September.
Of course, to re-elect or not the Ardern government is New Zealanders’ decision alone and will certainly – and rightly – be judged on everything from prime ministerial competence to economic management, free speech and gun laws. But, looked at from this side of the Tasman, a re-elected Ardern would be corrosive (to borrow Ardern’s own phraseology) to good relations with the Australian government.
Put simply, Ardern’s absurd grandstanding and undiplomatic tantrums have torpedoed any hope that her government will be regarded by the Morrison government as anything other than a pack of petulant children.
They call it “little man” syndrome, but it applies to both sexes. It is an insecurity complex derived from one’s small stature, whether that be literal or metaphorical […] Which brings me to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Ardern’s tub-thumping in Sydney last week was merely the culmination of her ignominious career of playing to the Guardianista peanut gallery from the world stage. Consider her nasty-girl sniggering about “orange” Trump, her self-righteous strutting at the Pacific Islands Forum, or her showboating on asylum seekers.
What makes Ardern’s bluster even more egregious is that she does it knowing full well that she is uniquely shielded from criticism, by ‘feminist’ double-standards.
Although bemused at her petulance, Morrison nonetheless maintained his composure and humour. No doubt he was contemplating a cutting rejoinder, perhaps silently observing “Prime Minister Ardern, if you cannot take responsibility for all of your country’s citizens, then you cannot take responsibility for any of them”.
Naturally, had he said that, Morrison would have faced accusations of mansplaining, bullying and misogyny. That is the beauty of identity politics for a woman leader, or rather a progressive woman leader. She is heralded as brave, feisty and empowered when she publicly berates a conservative male leader to his face. He is her punching bag, yet she is packed in cotton wool. Something to do with equality I am told.
So, what does Ardern hope to gain from her nonsense?
Ardern knew full well her histrionics would not result in any gain for her country. As journalist Anna-Burns Francis observed on New Zealand radio station Newstalk ZB last week, “It’s just not going to make any difference. Who are we in the power play here?” And while she has consistently decried this policy, Ardern with each protest merely highlights her lack of influence, thus making her look weak. So why continue to do it?
Ardern is simply puffing a little air-freshener into the news cycle as the various stenches waft around her government in the lead-up to the election. Which might seem like a good idea in the short-term – after all, who in New Zealand doesn’t enjoy cocking a snook at we Aussies? Admit it – but it’s the worst kind of short-term thinking.
As for Ardern’s ambush of Morrison as an electoral strategy, it will be high-fives from those who believe that irritating the Aussies suffices for foreign policy. The publicity will also assist her claim that Australia is to blame for a rise in organised crime in her country. After all, it is an election year.
But the election is still half a year away. If a week is a long time in politics, six months is an aeon. Long after those who are inclined to do so have finished chortling at Ardern’s political theatrics, the bad smells will still be there. Worse, Ardern will have no friends across the ditch.
Should she be returned to government – a prospect that looks increasingly remote – she has almost zero likelihood of a rapprochement with the Morrison government. Not surprisingly it regards her as a dilettante in foreign policy as well as one who cannot be trusted.
If anything, she will have motivated Morrison to institute even more vigorous measures against New Zealand citizens who offend in Australia. Start planning that homecoming for a lot of disgruntled citizens, Ms Ardern. Kiwi Con Air is your legacy.
theaustralian.com.au/world/jacinda-ardern-has-almost-zero-likelihood-of-a-rapprochement-with-scott-morrison-should-she-be-reelected/
Ardern might have friends in some places, from the tinpot potentates of the Pacific to left-wing candy-floss leaders like Justin Trudeau, but where it really matters to New Zealand foreign policy – Morrison in Australia and Trump in the US – she is busily burning her bridges.
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