It has been fascinating to read about the travails of Tamihere. I do not share the general condemnation of Tamihere’s comments regarding the holocaust, simply because of context. The original reporting in Herald on Sunday included his general revulsion and it was clear that he was making a point consistent with his views about Maori progress rather than an attack on Jews. His stated view is it is time for Maori to stop holding out the hand and to move on. The Jewish Council have objected, but in a measured way. I share that view. What he said is not the end of the world. But as with everything in the media it is easier to seize the sensationalist phrase to play the man not the issue.
UPDATE: The New Zealand Herald reports he has been let off with a slap.
Maverick MP John Tamihere was censured at the Labour Party caucus this morning but looks set to remain in the fold.
Makes sense from everybodys point of view.
It has been an interesting time to be talking to people about the government. I sense that the impression is gathering of the arrogance and bigotry of the "front bums". It remains difficult but not impossible to see the polls turning. National would need to take 10% off Labour to have a bolters chance of getting enough seats to govern.
I have seen various people picking up on the early polls idea. I suggest the confirmation of 16 July will come with the realisation that the speeding court case is 1 August. That will drag. If the 7th offender is hung out to dry it would be exceedingly bad politics during an election campaign. So helen will want to have the election safely in the bag before that comes to court.
The problems with Tamihere will probably provide an adequate excuse for Labour to call the election early. Labour caucus is meeting as I write. I imagine he will get the cold shoulder over the next months. The best thing he could do imho is to shut his mouth until the election campaign starts. I think he is sincere in wanting to stay part of Labour. He could not join Tariana and if he keeps his head down he should get his mandate renewed.
What has been overlooked with the release of honest Johns opinions is the fact that people very close to him are going down with charges from the SFO investigation. That alone has been enough to make me revise my opinion of him. He most certainly wants another term. That would be enough for him to settle down financially and find something to move back to.
Good call on the holocaust, some observers have gone at his statement like dogs off the leash
While I thought he was really saying to Maori "get over it"
And of course what have the right also been saying....
Posted by: Ray | Apr 13, 2005 at 11:12 AM