Case closed

In case there was any remaining doubt about the neutrality of Dr Jon Johansson, they disappeared today with his appearance as a guest blogger on Public Address where he basically calls for people to not vote National and reject a path lacking in even “basic decency”.

Now as I have said many times, Dr Johansson has just as much right as the Exclusive Brethren to have a view, and share it.

But absolute shame on the media who have continued to use Dr Johansson as a neutral commentator on Brash and Clark, when it has been manifestly clear he opposses Brash absolutely.

Again there is no issue with having opinionated commentators. Michelle Boag, Bob Harvey and Chris Trotter are prime examples. But they are well flagged in the public mind as being partisan, and their comments can be weighed up against that.