Why must people give a John Key type shrug at the accusation of forgetting something said six months ago – although this will be highlighted again today as Key clarifies comments in parliament – the backfire continues in David Shearer’s direction.

Waikato Times editorial: Dotcom case lives on

But questions are raised about Mr Shearer’s style, too, when he emulates the irascible Winston Peters. He has not actually seen the GCSB video recording; he claims simply to have been told it may exist. Hence he is trying to score political points based on hearsay.

More disquieting, if Labour does have inside sources, the GCSB not only has been operating illegally by spying on New Zealand residents, but some of its agents are willing to undermine their boss – the prime minister – by dobbing him in to Opposition politicians, thereby turning their secret service into a highly visible political football.

Similar sentiments were expressed on The National on Saturday by Colin James and also be Bill Ralston, which were agreed to by Brian Edwards.

‘We will test Key’, says Shearer

Mr Key says he can’t remember any reference to Dotcom during the February briefing, but on Tuesday he will apologise to Parliament for giving it incorrect information.

The Labour Party will take it from there.

“We will test him on that”, Labour leader David Shearer told NZ Newswire.

“There are still questions around it and the issue is broader than that – it is about the need for a wider look at our intelligence agencies.”

There are many questions around it. Some of the answers may be embarrassing for Key, but Shearer also risks being exposed with a lack of evidence to back up his accusations against Key and the GCSB.

From NewstalkZB, Shearer on Key…

“In his case it was just simply a matter of ‘brain fade’, he did not recall something that I believe that’s fundamental given what’s going on.”

He says not having the video of the incident hasn’t hurt his case.

“No it hasn’t, because what we have said is ‘what did you say Mr Prime Minister?’”

…and Key on Shearer:

But John Key thinks otherwise.

“He’s making wild accusations that, at the moment, he can’t substantiate. If he wants to play the tape I’m more than happy to respond to it.”

Key is looking increasingly fed up with the persistent hassling associated with his job and his involvement with thre Dotcom case, to the extent that Brian Edwards predicts:

$5 on Key to step down before the middle of next year thanks.

But, mostly, I think Key looks over it – tired, jaded, disillusioned. Good god, you can’t even make a bloody joke about some fat German with the ridiculous name of Dotcom without it coming back to haunt you.

Meanwhile Shearer is tapeless and looking hapless.

And most of the public shrug their shoulders at all the Kim Dotcom media attention.