Q+A 21 August 2011

On Q+A this Sunday… National’s partial state assets sales are shaping to be one of the most contentious issues of this year’s election. So sensitive, National refuses to debate them. ACT and Labour will, however. So live this Sunday with Guyon Espiner, ACT leader Don Brash and Labour’s Finance Spokesman David Cunliffe debate the pros and cons of selling shares in three power companies, a mining company and an airline. What do we stand to gain… and lose? Will we be better off with the cash or the assets?

Then, John Minto is putting aside the placard and megaphone to stand for parliament on behalf of the Mana Party. Thirty years on from the Springbok Tour that made him a polarising national figure, why has he chosen this election to seek office? What does he stand for now? And what are his chances?

Finally, Mark Sedwill was NATO’s civilian boss in Afghanistanand is now Britain’s Special Representative on Afghanistan/Pakistan. He’s in New Zealand next week to brief our government, but will speak to Paul  Holmes via satellite from London. With the fighting season in full swing and casualty rates in the past year at record highs, what’s the plan from here? And what message will he be delivering to theNew Zealand cabinet?

Joining Dr Jon Johansson on the panel will be CTU President Helen Kelly and former National Party President and PR consultant Michelle Boag.