One less stick to be beaten with

National’s policy since the late 1980s has actually been not to change the anti-nuclear legislation, but usually expressed in such a way that casts doubt over it, such as the limitation “not within this term of Parliament”. This has led to an easy stick for Labour to hit National with.

Now I don’t mind getting beaten up for policies where we are going to change the status quo, but it’s dumb to get beaten up for the suspicion of changing a policy, when you’re not going to.

Hence John Key’s very clear very unequivocal “For as long as I am leader of the National Party, the nuclear-free legislation will remain intact.” is a very welcome step.

I want an election fought on who will have the best policies, not on accusations of secret agendas.

It’s hilarious by the way to see Phil Goff claiming John Key’s stance as lacking conviction. David Lange didn’t believe in the nuclear-powered ships ban, and according to US sources Phil Goff himself has privately acknowledged that the legislation is un-necessary.