The Budget Debate always puts the Leader of the Opposition up head-to-head with the Prime Minister. The LotO traditionally moves a vote of no confidence in the Budget (and by definition in the Government), and naturally, the Prime Minister defends the measures announced by the Minister of Finance.
It's a combination of theatre, politics and brinksmanship. It's the LotO's big chance to match up to the PM with even billing. So here are the two leaders' speeches from yesterday; first up was David Shearer:
Mr Shearer was followed immediately by John Key:
We don't propose to comment on these speeches. We've simply put them up against one another to allow our readers (both of them!) to compare and contrast. If you want to comment, go right ahead; we're pleased to be of service!
13 comments:
Yes. Key comes across as a braying donkey.
I agree Claire, in the house Key never comes across as a statesman or a measured leader and generally make his arguments personal attacks rather than debating fact.
Here is a speech from another political leader who does offer real alternatives and actually appears to understand what he is talking about:
http://www.greens.org.nz/speeches/budget-2012-time-smart-green-economy
Hey Claire, totally agree, bsprout too. It's like we are twins, triplets or related somehow.
Maybe shining wits are a Bob a dozen, but we are so cool.
Grant robertson reminded me of this guy
Norman's speech was good bsprout, even though I dislike his politics. It was an improvement on his little "outburst" on Tuesday.
Dont shoot Cunners! I'll go quietly.
Watching Key rant and rave in Parliament yesterday, it occurred to me that he still doesn’t realise he’s Prime Minister. Every broken promise was someone else’s fault and everyone suggesting a solution was just crazy; he is both unable to change anything and an awesome manager of the economy. He doesn’t seem get that, no matter what causes a problem, it’s his job to provide a solution.
Either Key doesn’t realise he’s Prime Minister, or he’s given up trying and knows this is his last term.
Key- repugnant.
Ah; it's great to see the intelligent, articulate and analytical comments on the PM's speech instead of mere abuse and cheap shots; oh, wait...
But, KS. The PM's speech was as you describe, mere abuse and cheap shots. Or did you think that attacking Shearer using 'Lion King' allusions is somehow 'articulate and analytical'?
Oh bollocks Robert; Key spent a couple of minutes lampooning Shearer, then the rest of his speech justifying the Budget, whilst reminding viewers and listeners of the policies which Opposition parties had voted against at every turn. Your loathing of Key is affecting your comprehension; I did not suggest that Key was articulate and analytical; merely that those here abusing Key were not.
"Key spent a couple of minutes lampooning Shearer."
Very Prime-Ministerial, I'm sure.
When commentors here do it to Key, you chide them for it...oh dear!
"I did not suggest that Key was articulate and analytical"
Indeed, you did not, to your credit.
Actually I liked John Key's performance. He looked like a man who was having fun, and at ease in his environment, and comfortable in his skin. David Shearer comes across as not quite being sure how he got where he is, but since he is there, he will do the best he can - but sometimes I get the feeling he would rather be quietly observing on the back benches..
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