Feb 18, 2008

Isn't It Time For Dunne To Withdraw Support?

The NZ Herald (Paula Oliver again) has an article examining the interesting situation that Peter Dunne finds himself in as Revenue Minister. As Minister he is helping design one policy programme, but as United Furure leader he is advocating something different (more ambitious).

Clearly Peter Dunne and Winston Peters will be looking with alarm at the ONE News poll out yesterday and wondering what it means for the future. Dunne saw the writing on the wall with the Electoral Finance Act and switched his vote to opposition at last minute. How long can he keep on proping the Labour-led Government up on issues of supply? OK, pulling his support will mean resignation as a Minister and the loss of some salary and use of a car etc. but what will the cost of staying on be? Will he the the sole United Future MP in the new Parliament? And will National be interested in doing him any favours post election? The Hive thinks the honourable thing is probably to withdraw support. This is far more honourable than voting for one thing while really believeing in something very different.