Fran O'Sullivan writes today in detail on one dynamic - the growing concern over David Parker's performance - that readers will have read about at times in The Hive..
The Government concedes that the programme may now have to be delayed while officials determine that the new fuels will make a positive contribution rather than simply cause harm through impact on food prices.
Cullen is worried about this.
But Climate Change Minister David Parker takes a more zealous approach. While Parker concedes the introduction of the new rules may have to be delayed he does not concede the basic principle is wrong.
Political support for the biofuel legislation is now shaky.
Parker remains confident this issue can be worked out.
But my soundings yesterday suggest the concerns over his management of the climate change suite of policies is growing. Parker's tendency to shout down business people who raise legitimate concerns over the operational impact of the Government's policies is not endearing him to senior ministers such as Cullen, whose focus is the international competitiveness of the New Zealand economy.
What it will come down to is a contest between the realists - and I would include Cullen at the top of that list from the Government side - and the zealots.
Parker's approach has major flaws. Let's hope Cullen gets the opportunity to exercise a moderating influence in response to the select committee's deliberations.
