The Press (Stuff) is reporting this morning that ACT leader (and National coalition partner) Rodney Hide told guests at a breakfast function in Christchurch yesterday that John Key 'doesn't do anything'. Press reporter Martin van Beynen was present at Hyde's Hide's table when Hyde Hide let rip. Van Beynen reports the following:
Not aware that a reporter was also at the table, Mr Hide, whose party is a support partner in the National-led Government, said Mr Key "doesn't do anything" and was highly regarded, while "ACT did everything and we are hated". All Mr Key had done was the cycleway, Mr Hide said. "It's amazing." He told the table guests before his formal speech that a person could get a "s...load" done in government as long as "you set the agenda" and have a clear direction. He had been amazed at how much he was able to achieve in the Cabinet because "you turn up with your papers" and "they are too busy with their own stuff they're not bothered".
Hide later tried to play down the comments when he realised a reporter had heard them.
Reporting the comments would be unethical, he said. When Mr Key's spokeswoman, Lesley Hamilton, was approached after the breakfast, she said Mr Hide had already reported the comments to Mr Key. Her emailed response was: "It was obviously a bit of light-hearted political banter that took place at an ACT function. Mr Hide subsequently got in touch with the prime minister's office and spoke to the PM, who was relaxed about it."
My view
Finally someone within the government has said out loud what many have been thinking and saying privately. John Key is a great politician and could be a great Prime Minister if he decided to lead rather than follow opinion polls. He knows what needs to be done (serious tax reform and cutting the size of government), yet has progressively over recent months ruled out much of the necessary reform. He needs to use his strong poll ratings to truly reform this country so his (and my) grandchildren are still living and working in this country in 2040. John Key is reputed to be a 'smiling assassin' who gets stuff done without alienating people. Now it's time to get stuff done. He needs to do less smiling and more assassinating. Your view? We welcome your comments below.
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