Venkat Raman –
venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
Over the last couple of years, whenever anyone asked as to what would happen if John Key were to ‘suddenly quit’ his Prime Ministerial job, there would be an immediate snap: “Let us not talk about the unthinkable.’
Yet, the inevitable, however loathsome it may be, has occurred.
Mr Key’s announcement on Monday, December 5, 2016 had a rippling effect among the frontbenchers across the treasury in Parliament but the hoo-ha died down faster than one could have imagined.
Bill English, who emerged as the Leader after some kerfuffle, was an antidote to the smote that National had suffered. He was in effect an instrument of painless change, orchestrating a move which could have otherwise caused ruptures.
Almost as problematic was the general depiction of a couple of other contenders as lightweights who peddle sunshine and hope without ever having taken a tough decision in their political lives.
Although designed to contrast him not just with Mr Key, but with the grizzled veterans within and without, some of them had made truth psychologically more complex.
Charismatic Leader
Mr Key and his disarming smile will be sorely missed but some of us hope that the old friend that he is, will continue to be available for an occasion cup of tea.
That he is a family man, who dearly loves his wife Bronagh was never in doubt. He proved it to some of us at the Taj Mahal on June 27, 2011 as the above picture shows.
The largely successful phase of his leadership, which was all about changing perceptions of the Party, has begun to merge into the next.
The National Party is clearly at crossroads now. Time will tell whether it would turn left or right or even stay put.
There is plenty to read about John Key and his stunned supporters inside this issue.
