Winners of the minor party leader’s debate

The Herald reports:

Fran O’Sullivan

Winner: Russel Norman
Russel Norman was ruthlessly on-message demonstrating the media-savvy skills that marked him as the de facto leader of the Opposition while Labour worked its way through three leaders in three years. Norman was frank that the Greens expect Cabinet influence proportionate with their numbers in a Labour-led Government. He saw host Mike Hosking coming and did not allow himself to be backed into a corner on coalition bottom lines – particularly on deep sea oil drilling. Norman relentlessly pumped the Greens’ mantra – “a cleaner, fairer, smarter New Zealand”. It resonates across the spectrum. He was principled but also demonstrated flexibility. The perfect junior coalition partner-in-waiting and clear winner.

John Armstrong

Winner: Winston “Biggles” Peters

We did not learn much that was new. But we did learn that Winston Peters had once harboured ambitions to be a fighter pilot. It explains a lot. The NZ First leader promptly climbed into his Sopwith Camel and began strafing anyone who flew too close to spouting the same line he was running. Less like Top Gun and more akin to Snoopy versus the Red Baron, Peters still saved enough ammunition for his main target – Colin Craig. Along with Act’s Jamie Whyte, the Maori Party’s Te Ururoa Flavell, Internet Mana’s Hone Harawira and Brendan Horan, the Conservative Party leader did not get much of a look-in during the debate. Peter Dunne and Russel Norman were solid and sensible, but not spectacular. The most impressive debater was Mike Hosking, however.

Toby Manhire

Winner: Te Ururoa Flavell

What a contrast to the convivial dinner-party debate the other night. Lined up like garish, symmetrical Kraftwerk tribute acts, the eight men – all men – growled and scowled away. Winston Peters swung his sledgehammer at a wobbly, cruelly-lit Colin Craig: don’t waste your vote on them, Peters said. But he’d left his charm in the Chinese restaurant. Russel Norman was stoic, though you know he’d rather not be mixing it with the “minors”. Jamie Whyte was as flabbergasted as ever, Hone Harawira strangely muted. And who’s that? It’s Brendan Horan! Very little to like, but Te Ururoa Flavell left some calm and dignity in the room.

I agree with the Herald team. I think those three did perform the best. Norman was relentlessly on message. Peters was cheeky and likeable, and Flavell was dignified and constructive.

And kudos to Mike Hosking who did very well keeping it all flowing.