“Muldoonism” is now a uniquely (and unfairly) New Zealand swear-word.
I knew him well and can say there was much about him to be admired.
Here’s a hypothetical example.
As reflected by newspapers correspondence, the country has been up in arms for two years now at the new phenomenon of traffic cones lining our highways, suburban streets and even country roads.
On my observation at least half of these lengthy clusters are unaccompanied by any associated activity.
I have not the slightest doubt that had this absurdity occurred when Rob was Prime Minister, he’d have acted promptly to put a stop to it. It’s certainly overdue for government intervention.
Some common-sense rules need to be applied such as,
- No cones without associated activity.
- The cones to apply to the work-site and not hundreds of metres to each side.
- The cones to be removed immediately once work has ceased.
It’s no joke. Drive anywhere in New Zealand and there’s lengthy traffic jams because of the ridiculously lengthy rows of cones channelling traffic into single lanes.
This silliness is peculiar to New Zealand and it’s overdue for government action.