Jim Anderton; too little, too late

We've just seen this, on Stuff:

Jim Anderton has praised Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker for his leadership since Saturday's earthquake - and now says he would consider quitting Parliament if he wins the mayoralty because the southern city needs a full time mayor in the aftermath of the quake.

Anderton, Progressive Party leader and its sole MP, will stand for the Christchurch mayoralty in the October 9 election.

He has previously indicated he would stay on as MP for Wigram even if elected as mayor.

Today, he told Newstalk ZB he would consider leaving Parliament to be in Christchurch full time if he won.

We're not sure whether we ought to be pleased about this development, given that we first called for it back in May this year, or whether to be outraged because Jim now seems to be playing politics over the earthquake. Read this next bit, as Anderton tries to justify his thinking:

The MP told Parliament on Wednesday he wants politicians of all persuasions to make key decisions on the city's future.

He praised Parker's leadership, but said some MPs and councillors who could be helping were "not in the loop".

"They too have skills and knowledge and experience to give, Anderton said.

"I hope both local councillors and members of Parliament can meet together to work in the interests of the city."

Parker's clear and concise messages had helped all Christchurch people in the earthquake's aftermath, he said.

"He deserves credit for his clarity in a time of crisis."

However, Anderton wanted a cross-party commission so the skills of all MPs and councillors could be used.

"I would like to offer John Key's ministers on the ground and Mayor Bob Parker our hand of help.

"Let's start to rebuild this city together.

Note to Jim; Bob Parker, John Key and Gerry Brownlee have ALREADY started to plan the rebuilding of Christchurch. That train left the station several days ago, whilst Jim Anderton was still deciding whether or not he should buy a ticket.

So here's our suggestion to Jim Anderton; we reckon that he should withdraw from the mayoral contest now, and announce that he is giving 100% of his attention to the constituents of Wigram; the ones who voted him into Parliament. He could then retire at next year's election without the stigma of an electoral defeat, and with grace.

For Anderton to decide now, now that the tide has turned against him, that the $500k cost of a by-election in Wigram is justified after all is hogwash. But he's right about one thing; Christchurch DOES need a full-time mayor, and the full-time mayor that Christchurch elected in 2007 has exceeded expectations with his response to a crisis. "Cometh the hour, cometh the man" the old saying goes; the hour has come, and we reckon that Bob Parker, not Jim Anderton is the man.