While the recent election to local governments around the country in general and Auckland in particular has given a fillip to the Labour Party’s sagging fortunes, the rejuvenation of its Leader Phil Goff following the Auckland Regional Conference held recently may reinstall confidence and morale among its rank and file.
Chris Carter, once considered an indefatigable part of Labour, appears to have fallen on his sword but any attempt to write him off as a political spent force would not only be naïve but also in a way suicidal. For, it would almost be inhuman to expect a man who has been in the political arena for long to sit at home or disappear from public life. After 17 years, politics becomes the raison d’être and Parliament the first home.
Labour’s woes are not confined to the disgruntled public over some of its policies and actions during its nine-year rule under an inimitable Helen Clark; they transcend into the Party’s portals as well. Notwithstanding the simmering differences between the leader and a few aspirants, Mr Goff appears to have won a round of challenges to his leadership and would keep his job at least until the next elections.
For his part, Mr Goff is a good man, with fine attributes of leadership skills, honesty, integrity and competence. He is at least not as opaque as some of his counterparts and adversaries, and at least lends a patient ear to suggestions.
It is against such a scenario of inertia and in-house ailments that Labour and indeed Mr Goff have to position themselves to face the general election next year. Our best bet is that polling would be completed with the next Government installed no later than August 2010, in time for the Rugby World Cup.
The fact that Mr Goff and his Party have begun to look at Election 2011 with seriousness was evident in his speech at the Labour Conference on October 17.
“I will lead the Party to win in the 2011 election and I believe I have what it takes to the Prime Minister. People trust me,” he said.
His Party has drawn the battle line against National on Early Childhood Education, No Tax (GST) on fruits and vegetables, amendments to the Employment Law and other issues of relevance to the Party.
As we have mentioned in the past in these columns, Labour should transform itself into a responsible Opposition Party and not restrict itself to attacking the Government. While it has the right and the duty to hold the Government to account, sound policies would enable Labour to gain more credibility among the voting public.
Despite the growing opposition to National on the state of the economy, GST rise and other issues, Prime Minister John Key continues to be the favourite of a majority of New Zealanders as per the latest opinion polls. It would therefore take considerable efforts for Labour to gain public support.
Mr Goff is credited with strong leadership like his predecessor and having been a senior minister in the Labour Government for nine consecutive years, understands the challenges faced by the Nation as well as his Party. His colleagues and advisers are confident of handling the existing problems with tact and firmness.
The need of the hour is not only discipline but also unity. Labour and its leader can hope to move forward with greater thrust, provided the Party’s hierarchy and rank and file demonstrate their solidarity and ability to weather the storm.*
