The Herald reports:
Removing former Prime Minister Jim Bolger as KiwiRail chairman would signal the Government’s intention to sell the troubled business as soon as it could, says Labour’s state-owned enterprises spokesman, Clayton Cosgrove.
Oh what nonsense. Apart from the fact that the Government has said it is not for sale, the reality is that no one would buy it. Hell I doubt you could even give it away for free, because the annual operating costs probably exceed income considerably.
Toll’s convincing Michael Cullen to spend $1 billion on purchasing it off them was all their Christmases come at once.
Of course Labour will be ultra-defensive, whenever anything is proposed regarding Kiwirail. It was a key plank in Labour's 2008 election strategy. We can only conclude that strategy was to gut the New Zealand economy; indeed, Dr Michael Cullen hinted as much with his "the cupboard is bare" quip shortly before the election.
So we have a suggestion to the Government. We reckon that they should indeed remove Jim Bolger, and replace him as chairman with Dr Michael Cullen! We know that sounds extreme, and that the likes of Barnsley Bill will be apoplectic with rage at the suggestion, but here's our reasoning.
Dr Michael Cullen is responsible for the mess with KiwiRail. We have always subscribed to the old dictum that if you make the mess, you clean up the mess. Dr Cullen should be appointed for a fixed term, and given an ultimatum; return Kiwirail to profitability, or be sacked.
You see, we reckon that being sacked would be the ultimate indignity for Dr Cullen. Those of his ilk care deeply about reputation. He would not want his last public act to be an inglorious failure. He might just be motivated to actually squeeze the lemon which he purchased with your money and ours.
Whaddya reckon?
8 comments:
I was going to suggest that as well INV2 with the proviso that he works for nothing until it is profitable.
A bit quick on the trigger there - meant to add that Cullen would never turn anything to profitability because he wouldn't have a clue how to.
It would be his first ever `proper job'.
They say you're never too old to learn pdm - whether that applies to Dr Cullen is anyone's guess!
The very mention of the treasonous bastard makes my blood boil.
I thought it might BB - but isn't there something karmic about making the guy who poops on your floor clean up the mess? There would have to be conditions attached, of course; performance pay comes to mind; if Kiwirail doesn't turn a profit, Cullen doesn't get paid!
The last guy who pooped on Barnsley's floor is still running.
Cullen should be appointed immediately as chairman of KiwiRAil and he should be paid a 10% share of profit and made to cough up for a similar share of all losses incurred.
Adolf: First paragraph - so I gather!
Second paragraph - A capital idea. Cullen would quickly learn what it feels like to have to borrow a large sum each week to meet outgoings.
TV3 News confirmed Cullen will be CEO of Kiwi Rail, now the fun begins.
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