Duncan Garner blogged yesterday about a rift in Labour that is well known, but someone (or ones, according to Garner “two very senior MPs”)  has chosen to put the spotlight on the problem.

Opinion: Why does Labour hate David Cunliffe so much?

It’s hard not to see this as anything other an inside hatchet job on Cunliffe – while he is out of the country.

But it’s also hard to escape the fact that it’s further self inflicted wounds for Labour. Irish Bill at The Standard posts:

Too far

It looks like someone from within Labour’s top team* has decided to have a real nasty go at David Cunliffe via Duncan Garner

Regardless of what you think of Cunliffe, this kind of pointless and destructive politicing is exactly why people have no faith in Labour as a government in waiting.

Comment on that thread shows much discontent within Labour – but also a reluctance to confront the issue. Including a reluctance to name the culprits. But it does start to emerge…

If it has been quacking like a duck for the last several decades why has no-one in Labour ever had the balls to call it a duck ?

And…

All ducks are equal, but some veteran ducks in safe electorate seats are more equal than others?

Trevor Mallard’s name did eventually emerge.

Labour do have a problem within it’s caucus and party regarding Davud Cunliffe, he is lauded by some and seemingly hated by others. His chances of successfully leading Labour are dim.

But there is an often untalked of (often whispered and hinted) problem that is bigger and more difficult for the party to deal with.

Has Labour got the guts to stand up to Mallard? Or will everyone keep ducking perhaps the biggest impediment to the party’s recovery and rebuild.

While Mallard continues doing the dirty within politics and within the party it’s hard to see Labour cleansing it’s image and regaining credibility.

If Labour doesn’t have the guts to deal with their Mallardy it’s hard to see them getting off the muddy ground.

It’s widely thought that David Shearer owes his leadership to Mallard. At this stage. But unless he steps up and deals with this then he will also owe his failure at leadership to Mallard.