We don't plan to dwell majorly on Michael Cullen's valedictory statement. Instead, Claire Trevett from the Herald has all the good bits for your reading pleasure or your disdain, or if you really want it, a link to the full speech. We did however enjoy the speech, which was sprinkled with Cullen's trademark wit, and a degree of self-deprecation.
Two points stood out to us however, and deserve comment. Firstly, in the best traditions of the "we know what's best for you" mentality of Helen Clark's government, Cullen couldn't resist giving the government some advice as to how to manage the economy. Given that he had admitted towards the end of last year that the state of the economy was getting outside his comfort zone, we trust that his parting advice will be politely declined.
And secondly, he apologised. He admitted that he had made mistakes. We absolutely believe that the emotion in his voice as he apologised to those whom he had wronged was genuine. And what a contrast that was to Helen Clark's "I leave with no regrets" speech of a few weeks ago. Despite our ideological dislike for Michael Cullen, he grew in our estimation yesterday.
There are now two huge holes on the Opposition benches. Labour faces huges challenges in the weeks and months ahead.
2 comments:
Admission of mistakes and apologies are very powerful tools in politics because once you've done that your opponents look petty if they keep attacking you on the issue.
Good riddance. He will not be missed.
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