November 8, 2009 12:10pm by David Farrar

Inga the MP?

INGA Tuigamala used to smash opponents on the footy field – now he wants to smash some Pacific Islanders dependence on the dole and DPB.

And the former rugby and league star has confirmed he would consider running for Parliament in 2011 if offered a spot on the National Party list.

I think it is great that Inga wants to make a difference. And for National there would obviously be a huge political advantage in having him stand.

However for Inga’s sake, I would suggest he chats to a couple of new MPs about what life is really like in Parliament. Your ability to (for example) change welfare policy is relatively limited initially. Backbench MPs have to spend a lot of time serving on select committees, asking patsy questions in the House, and helping constituents. The policy side (which is what motivates many), takes a while to influence.

I think Inga as an MP would be an awesome role model for many Pacific Islanders. But I would hate him to end up in a job he doesn’t find satisfying.