Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Opportunity lost, regrets - this has to be one
In the lead up to the last election, the National Party gave a disgracefully low list ranking to a loyal, hard working, up and coming, and particularly pragmatic Maori candidate with an immaculate background. Having put up a good fight in a no win battle in the previous election in the Ikaroa Rawhiti seat, he was tasked to take on Ohariu-Belmont in the last election. For that, he was shafted in the list placings for more 'high profile names'.
This particular candidate, to my mind, would have been ideal to step into the Maori Affairs portfolio in light of recent events. Alienating Maori and assessing the risks (votes) is one thing, but the media and other parties are going to have a field day with Big Gerry as Maori Affairs spokesman.
I don't disagree with what you said Don, but one standard of citizenship, one country, includes Maori. They need, deserve and rightly expect representation. There was significant traction gained from one speech, but I still believe some of the old school attitudes need to change. It wasn't your doing, but Don, I expect you know who I am talking about, and god wouldn't you love to have him in parliament now to step into the breach (which in reality is an embarrassing void).
Lets see some progressive Maori join the ranks and give the policy position some leverage and legitimacy (Tau - you may think that sounds like you, but no thanks). Or you could apologise and get the ex cop back...
