Leaked ACT Memo

The NZ Herald has obtained a copy of ACT’s election review by President Catherine Judd. They have done a story on it also.

I’m very surprised that this has leaked out. I know ACT has had leaks like this previously, but now there is just a Caucus of two, it is far more surprising (as a Young National I was taught that if you ever want something leaked to the media, just send a copy of it to all MPs 🙂

The report is an interesting read. Some things which stand out for me are:

* Rodney is sometimes referred to as Mr Hide. How unusual. Never heard anyone ever call him that 🙂

* It says “Rodney built an image as a never-give-up battler and a sinner”. I could be generous and assume it is meant to say winner, but I think we should speculate on how Rodney has built up an image as a sinner!!

* “The political centre of gravity has shifted to the right, with the far left wiped out and Labour becoming mainstream”

* “Our strategy vis-a-vis the National Party didn’t work: being nice to them and looking like National’s little helper got us nowhere, neither did being nasty. We need to matter to them.” For my money this is absolutely true. The role for ACT is neither to cheer-lead for National, nor to relentlessly snipe at them. It is a matter of being relevant to them, and having a relationship of mutual benefit.

* “National is establishing a liberal wing, but history would suggest it will be short lived and soon squashed.” On the contrary have got some excellent new liberal MPs in National, and have some fun stuff planned for the year.

* Catherine also proposes setting up a think-tank named after Roger Douglas and with Richard Prebble running it.