Murray McCully is making some pretty serious allegations in the latest issue of his blog. To quote: "The second tier to the Labour plan was simple: having tied the hands of their political opponents and silenced their critics through the EFB, the Labour Party planned to have a veritable election-year extravaganza of government departmental publicity. Hence the need to weed out those communications managers of independent and professional mindset, to be replaced by those with more reliable political motivations."
There is increasing talk around town about this issue. At lunch today, with several public servants, and again last night at drinks, this is one of the hot topics. There is no denial that politicisation has occurred. It is also clear than public servants with integrity, are unsure where they stand and they are uncomfortable about where this will lead.
The Hive thinks that this is inexcusable. We had one of the best public services in the world. Now most of the best people have left.
