O'Sullivan on the ETS

Fran O'Sullivan has some advice to Helen Clark this morning over the PM's threat to make the ETS a campaign issue if, as expected, Labour can't cobble together a majority in the House. Don't! O'Sullivan notes:

"A major online survey finds the public feels most of the Government's efforts are going into tackling climate change issues and supporting families and children. But what they want the policy makers to focus more attention on, is the hot-button issues like the cost of living, the health service and reducing crime.

The TNS Conversa survey indicates the fault lines at this year's election will be based on hip-pocket issues and the respective parties' plans to address them. A factor that was brought home strongly last week by the extent of spontaneous support for the truckies demonstrated by New Zealanders.

Unless Labour comes up with a policy package to ease the transitional pain, Clark would simply be signing her Government's death warrant if she campaigns strongly on a scheme that will clearly have major downside impacts for most New Zealanders."

Keeping Stock agrees. It is apparent, as The Hive and other blogs have suggested that Heather Simpson has been unable to stitch together a deal with two of the Greens, the Maori Party and NZ First. Indeed, when Michael Cullen delivered the Business Statement to the House on Thursday, there was no mention of the ETS legislation being a priority for the government when the House resumes after a two-week recess. This Parliament now has a maximum of 18 sittings days until it is dissolved for the election. Labour needs to accept the reality of the situation and focus on improving the lot of the average Kiwi if it is to have any chance of avoiding annihilation in November.