Audrey Young, in her article in the Weekend Herald, sought to highlight the divide in the National caucus. Her view is that the liberals leaving the party were a gain for the religious right. She expects the exit of a swag of socially liberal women will mean a balance between liberal and conservative within National will be a greater focus for the party’s board, particularly in its list rankings. Traditionally, the Board and list ranking committee has had more of a view to gender, ethnicity and geographic representation. It’s not the sort of correction that can be addressed in one or two elections, says Audrey.
I am vastly indebted to Audrey for pointing this out and I just hope National don’t fall into the trap she is talking about. I couldn’t care less about the two legged puddles leaving the party any more than I care for the so called religious right. What I do care about is the ability of those appointed to run the country. This is what the list should reflect. The current lot highlight how important this is. I don’t give two hoots about gender, ethnicity or geographic representation or any other politically correct nonsense.
This type of thinking hinders rather than helps the cause. It’s nothing to do with white, brown, lesbian, gay or whatever else. If a one-armed brown lesbian tow truck driver stands for election and proves to be the best one, then in my book she gets the nod. People should be elected on their ability to do the job. I realise that on the left of politics this is a near-impossible task evidenced by those currently on show. Their collective ability would no doubt be enhanced if only they could find the tow truck driver.
The important point is this is where both National and Act have it over the left. They attract people with real-world experience, small business owners, farmers, tradespeople and the like. People, who through their work, have an understanding of the economy and how it works. The country is heading into possibly the worst economic crisis since the depression of the thirties. We need people in politics who can implement the policies that will put us on the road to economic recovery.
Audrey writes about the National Party board and their greater focus on list rankings. I think the board needs to have a greater focus on the party per se. I don’t think enough attention has been paid to what is going on. These factions Audrey talks about may need some attention. A factionalised party can’t function properly and is not a good look. What these factions stand for should not be overshadowing the prime aim of the party. The party needs to show they are capable of forming a Government that can solve the economic issues that are forming like dark clouds on the horizon.
The Rainbow issues which appear to be what divides the caucus need to be put to one side. Most are conscience votes anyway. Between now and the election National needs to present itself as the most competent party to deal with the upcoming economic problems. This means a united front. I am sure Judith as leader will ensure this happens. I am aware some of the issues mentioned above are very important to some people and my article in no way seeks to minimise their importance or relevancy.
As for the outgoing puddles — good luck on the one hand and good riddance on the other. Audrey thinks the party is now in danger of lurching to the religious right. A lot of us will be hoping she’s right in the sense they religiously lurch right.
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