NZ Foreign Relations: Key Builds A Profile On The International Stage
April 22nd, 2010
The Govt will be looking to confirm John Key’s new-found status on the international stage when he gets a White House invitation for a one-on-one with President Obama. This will fill out the dimension any NZ leader needs as he seeks a second term. Key’s popularity at home continues to surprise commentators, but playing an effective role in international affairs consolidates the impression every NZer craves of coming from a country which commands the respect of its peers.
The latest Roy Morgan poll shows National’s support slipping below 50% for the first time in a year, and though no-one expected it to remain in the stratosphere as long as it has, the party hierarchy will be watching the trend closely. Ministers had geared up for a grinding year as the Govt executes the policy on which it was elected. More politically problematic are those policies (Whanau Ora, the foreshore and seabed, in particular) which are essentially issues of a coalition partner. If these turn out to have successful outcomes, they will act as the cement for the long-term relationship of the Maori Party with National, and assure the coalition not just of a second term but possibly a third.
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Duncan Cotterill