Tongues are like shovels, they can dig your grave.
This is a Memo for Labour Party on a number of matters relating to its continued relevance, with a special reference to its MP Sue Moroney saying that the Party would provide for more women in Parliament.
People have reacted differently to this proposal and if the current indications are correct, Labour will languish for three more years in opposition after next year’s election. The Party has already distanced itself from the people, with Louisa Wall’s Marriage (Equality) Amendment Bill getting through the debating chamber in April.
The number of Labour MPs favouring the Amendment Bill was another example of their self-serving interests, rather than public interest as the major opposition party.
Balance should be in merit, not in sex. However, no one would object having a good number of women in any place including Parliament, but Labour’s plan to write it down in their Constitution may backfire.
Cohesion missed
Party Leader David Shearer’s immediate response through an open attack showed his lack of leadership skill and disconnection with his own caucus. There must have been a discussion in its Policy Council and Mr Shearer must have shown his opposition to the proposal.
It is interesting to note that they did not even think of proper representation for the disabled people or women from the ethnic sector.
The ‘man hunt’ policy is not only patently absurd and illegal under the human rights legislation, but also propagates the political message that skill, talent and experience are irrelevant and political correctness is the priority.
Labour is badly in need of an overall makeover, including a unified caucus, better leadership and popular policies, in order to return to power in 2014.
Otherwise, it would end up in a worse shape.
The Party needs educated and skilled people with attractive profile and charisma in the frontline, rather than the old and worn out line up with no people’s skill.
Its policies are not only divisive, but also questionable.
The Labour Party needs to be responsible and rise as the major opposition political party in keeping the government in line.
The message to the Party leadership is, “Bring some sound policies, broader outlook and people with merit in your frontline, rather than worrying about your MPs’ sex.”
Dr George Abraham is our South Island Correspondent based in Christchurch. The above article carries his views and not those of Indian Newslink.
