Dom Post Ratings
Tracy Watkins and Vernon Small rate the front benches. Their scores:
- John Key 9.0
- Bill English 6.5
- Gerry Brownlee 6.5
- Simon Power 8.5
- Tony Ryall 8.0
- Nick Smith 5.5
- Judith Collins 7.5
- Anne Tolley 3.5
- Chris Finlayson 7.0
- David Carter 4.0
- Tariana Turia 7.0
- Pita Sharples 6.0
- Rodney Hide 2.0
- Phil Goff 7.5
- Annette King 6.5
- David Cunliffe 6.0
- Ruth Dyson 5.5
- Parekura Horomia 4.0
- Clayton Cosgrove 6.5
- Chris Carter 2.0
- Maryan Street 5.0
- Darren Hughes 6.0
- David Parker 8.0
- Russel Norman 6.0
- Metiria Turei 4.5
While most of the ratings are common sense, I actually would disagree with a few. I can’t imagine how you can say the Shadow Attorney-General (David Parker) is a point higher than the actual Attorney-General (Chris Finlayson). I agree Parker has been one of the better Labour MPs.
Likewise the Dom Post seem to be reflecting Trevor Mallard’s view of Anne Tolley, than the real world. They have rated Parekura Horomia higher than Tolley. Yes, Anne Tolley was a bit unsteady in the House in her early days, but doesn’t look as bothered now. And frankly blaming Tolley for not getting the teacher unions to support national standards as absurd. That is like giving Michael Cullen bad marks as the former Finance Minister for not getting the Roundtable to endorse his policies.
I also can’t see where you rate Carter a 4.0 for Agriculture – just because he is low profile. The feedback I get is that Carter is very respected by the industry.
And on the Labour side, a totally lack of mention of Goff’s biggest fuck up during the year – the Richard Worth scandal. His championing of Neelam Choudary as some shy and retiring person who could not handle Worth blew up massively in his face and damaged his brand. He dropped significantly in the polls after that. A 7.5 is well rather generous for the man whose party is 25 points behind in the polls.
But hey it gets boring if everyone agrees on every rating.