John Key made probably the biggest call of his term as Leader of the Opposition, when he ruled Winston Peters out of any Govt he might lead. National says the response was extraordinary. It reflects deep disenchantment with a political process where minority parties are holding the country to ransom. Many voters now believe NZ’s system of Govt has been distorted, and this is evident in the polls, which show a significant block of support shifting to National. The country wants a change, not just in economic policy but also in the way the political process operates.

The reaction Key got from ruling out Peters showed the public liked the demonstration of cold steel in his character, as well as indicating many voters are sick of, as they put it, the tail wagging the dog. The spill over can be seen among those who believe Helen Clark has been an outstanding leader, but is now being caught in the morass of obfuscation, not to mention deceit, created by her coalition partner. In a sense she has become a victim of the tyranny of the minority. The danger for Labour is in appearing to shield NZ First it drives away some of the voters who have been the beneficiaries of its policies. In ruling out NZ First from any future coalition, Key has set himself a high hurdle to leap if National is in a position to form the next Govt. Almost certainly he has handed the Maori Party, as a potential coalition partner, a leverage larger than it might have expected as of just over a week ago.

 Copyright © Trans Tasman Media Ltd