As well as being the anchor of UnitedFuture Peter Dunne is widely known as a hard working Ohariu electorate MP and a trusted coalition partner for successive governments. But there’s an enigma about how he’s seen by some commentators.
One of the most frequent criticisms of Dunne is that he floats in the political winds and will go in to government with any party of the day.
I find that a real puzzle.
The ambition of any party is surely to achieve the most it can, and to do that it needs to be in government.
National wants to be in government.
Labour wants to be in government.
The Maori Party wants to be in government.
Act wants to be government.
Winston Peters wants to be in government.
People want to vote for a party that will be in government.
The only ones that seem to have some reluctance to being in government are the Green Party and Hone Harawira.
Why is Peter Dunne criticised for being successful at what most parties and politicians strive for?
Dunne is also criticised for using common sense and being pragmatic, and for being a centrist (and not an extremist). I guess it’s hard to please everyone.
Are the putdowns political jealousy? Or do some people really want parliament to be a Harawira chorus?
DunedinPress
/ September 9, 2011I wonder about MPs’ motivations. You often hear them saying “I wanted to make a change”. Sure. So, why not volunteer at the local food bank? That’s a change right there. But no, I suspect that most MPs don’t want to make a change. They just want change – plural. Lots of it, in their back pockets, accompanied with heaps of power! That’s why these politicians are forever changing their policies. They haven’t got any core beliefs they are willing to nail their reputations to, everything is negotiable, and they will do anything (Anything!) to get into power. If that means back-flipping on one of their previously touted core policies, they’ll do it – no policy is sacred when it sacrifices votes. Which is why we need less of these snivelling worms running the show. Less government = better government
Pete George
/ September 10, 2011I can’t answer for any other politicians, although I’m sure some don’t do it for the money, it can be easier to earn more in privet employmernt and be far less exposed to the public. I also know some politicians work long and hard.
Politicians shouldn’t be straightjacketed by “core beliefs”, and they should be prepared to change policies if that’s what changing circumstances, knowledge or constituent needs requires.
I’m not standing for parliament for money or power. I believe I can make a real difference with politics for Dunedin, I think the city is politically neglected and deserves better than two Labour MPs who are more dedicated to their party. I will work as a community orientated MP – UnitedFuture support this approach to regional representation.