I’m with Fran

I’m with Fran O’Sullivan, supporting her call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 2005 election. A panel of Judges would be an excellent way to establish what exactly did happen, and how much truth there is to all the various allegations. It’s remit could include:

* Labour’s alleged over-spending
* National’s GST on broadcasting
* Exclusive Brethren and other third party activity
* Labour’s claims of cash for policies
* Tariana’s claims of $250,000 to support Labour
* Use of taxpayer funds by parties and MPs
* Hiring of private detectives, theft of Brash e-mails

In reality there is almost no chance of this happening though. Steve Maharey on Agenda seemed as enthusiastic about the idea of a Royal Commission as a vegetarian feels about a nice fillet steak. The thought of actually having to prove all their silly allegations of cash for policies probably frightened him as much as the the thought of the decision making over the pledge card being made public.

But as we have seen in recent months, public pressure can work. If one could get the minor parties to support a Royal Commission, and then National, that would make it hard for Labour to refuse – especially as they claim they want the truth about the Exclusive Brethren to come out – well they can get it – so long as all aspects of the election are investigated.

If the Government can waste $500,000 on a powerless inquiry into just one MP, and millions on a sidelined inquiry into police conduct, surely a few million into the integrity of the last general election is a cheap price to pay.