The Press on Winners

I’m not the only one saying both Clark and Key come out of this winners. The Press Editorial concludes:

Reaching consensus on the bill is a political achievement for leaders on both sides. The pragmatism and flexibility of the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, are well known and this is a striking example of her leadership qualities. The deal with National shields her party from public fury about the bill but also takes most of the heat out of the issue. For the leader of the National Party, John Key, it is an even more impressive accomplishment. He has not only distanced his party from an out-of-touch religious faction, but he has shown himself willing to negotiate and make sensible compromises in order to bring about a result. He has also shown immense skill in bringing a reluctant caucus with him. His performance has, more than anything hitherto in his career, demonstrated his leadership qualities.