Although the resignation of National List MP Aaron Gilmore from Parliament on April 12 ended the standoff between him and Prime Minister John Key and his Party, it curiously marked a beginning of another battle as the former lawmaker has reportedly “threatened to avenge those responsible for his political downfall.”
He was due to deliver his valedictory speech in Parliament when we went to printers on May 14,
The perils of MMP system hit back again so badly, just months after Brendon Horan decided to continue in Parliament after his NZ First Leader Winston Peters sacked him from the Party against allegations relating to his personal finance matters.
The Hanmer Springs Hotel booze saga (of April 27) in which Mr Gilmore was the centrepiece appears to be less serious compared to many other incidents in which he was involved.
There are other stories about him threatening his tenants in Christchurch with his generic chant, “Don’t you know who I am?” The stories surfacing everyday make Gilmore a bully, with no respect for people and as a man who misused his position and power as an MP.
His behaviour has been criticised by almost all columnists and commentators in the mainstream media over the past two weeks.
Though the MMP system gives some equity in democracy, it is highly dangerous too.
The MMP does not oblige many MPs to work hard for people, while enjoying their flash job that gets good money and privileges.
Some MPs think that they would be back in a safe position in the List and hence choose to ignore people.
After all, they are not worried about winning or losing in the election.
Dr George Abraham is our South Island Correspondent based in Christchurch.
