What it takes to avoid being sacked

Every time the PM is asked whether she has confidence in a Minister (which is really asking why won’t you sack them) she responds “Yes, because they are hard-working and conscientious”.

Now this is already a pretty low standard to meet. It is basically unmeasurable and can be translated as meaning ‘Turns up most days, and tries not to stuff up’. There is no requirement to actually be competent or suited for the portfolio.

But now we have an even lower standard. High Commissioner Graeme Kelly will not be sacked because “he has shown energy and enthusiasm for representing New Zealand”. Wow this is great, because this means I am qualified to be High Commissioner, as I am always an energetic and enthusiastic representative of New Zealand when overseas. I look forward to being appointed Ambassador to Estonia!