Journalists who are essentially spectators of life, are notorious for pack-hunting. It’s currently fashionable for them to dismiss the Prime Minister as not up to much, calibre-wise.
When Parliament is sitting I often watch Question Time. Understandably, many questions are directed at Luxon and frankly, I’m impressed. His responses are always succinct and to the point.
I watched him a fortnight back send Jack Tame into an ill-mannered frenzy, constantly interrupting and shouting. Throughout Luxon remained cool-headed, polite and unruffled. He made Tame look ridiculous.
I think Luxon is on his way to becoming a great National Prime Minister. I say that as I’ve always been dismissive of the Nats, who far from promoting their original raison d’etre, namely a market economy, have been primarily interested in retaining office by the proven method of not rocking the boat. This caters to the public’s natural desirability for stability.
In that sense the Luxon government is revolutionary as they’ve declared war on excessive bureaucracy, cut the infantile and frustrating nonsense of naming Government agencies in a redundant language few kiwis speak, and many other overdue reforms.
These sort of radical initiatives have historically been the role Labour governments have fulfilled.
If not quite to the degree of Sir John Key, Luxon also has a warm blokiness about him. That kept Key in office, aided by a chaotic Opposition, but they were wasted years in terms of achievements.
All things being equal I suspect the Nats will deservedly bolt home in the next election, less than two years away. And if so, one key factor will be respect for Luxon, who it must be remembered has only been in Parliament for a year. That fact alone makes him a standout P.M.
18 Comments
Tame often looks ridiculous
National may well be sorting the economy and the Maori nonsense where they can, however, most of the focus is really a result of the consortium. ACT has ben the driving force in both of those areas. A good thing too as National usually prefers not to rock the boat, rarely overturning any of the oppositions poor legislation.
totally agree…….ACT are the driving force
Well Said Sir Bob, I agree wholeheartedly.
Chris Buxton is a very good Prime Minister .
The Press are disgusting the way they constantly give him HELL!!
Fabulous.
I’ve found Luxon to be an excellent Prime Minister and thought I was one of a few.
Totally agree Bob
I like Luxon as PM, his strength is his intelligence and common sense approach which is sadly a rare commodity in politics and NZ politics in particular.
I was impressed by his clever utilisation of the usually banal “does he stand by all of his policies and statements?” Parliamentary question to highlight government initiatives and policy achievements.
His main weakness, in my opinion, is that he’s a senior manager from central casting type who tries to please everyone and seems to have a instinctive aversion to ruffling feathers which will inevitable conflict with his role as a political leader. It also makes him appear as if he lacks vision and core values.
So far, where he has been tested, he has remained forthright and determined so I think history will be kind to him when he is no longer PM.
Well said again Bob.It’sgreat having a hard working group in Government with good policies and a strong leader. Even Robs mob were not as good.
I agree re Luxon…. Ery solid and consistent performance.
Too early to judge in my view, but 1000% better than Labour; which wouldnt be hard.
Appropriate regulation of the monopolists; who are super profiting, will be the true test.
This maori stuff is just a distraction, which I bet they find quite convenient during the banking review.
Sorry Sir Bob, but you have called this one wrong. Luxton is a wet blanket. Unlike his coalition partners he doesn’t have the courage of his convictions to stand up to the Maori wonderfullness nonsense. Watch the National party vote erode at the next election as people get behind the likes of Seymour and Peters who actaully stand up for their voters.
He is an outstanding leader n a wonderful Prime Minister so far !!! Labour have no one of his calibre!!
I agree with Sir Bob, I am beginning to like Luxon as he sounds like a CEO which he is, CEO of New Zealand and the more business like NZ gets the better it will do (kick the woke lefty ideology into touch) and make some changes to the way this country was heading under the previous numpties.
On the mark Bob as you usually are however 2 years to the next election a big call .I disagree the tax payers union have reported that the Nats have employed more government employees than labour .what they are doing is dismantling thd health system and this will be their Achilles heal .shortly.they will face tremendous pressures from outside influences eg more manufactured viruses on the way. They have crossed the partnership line and cut Maori out of health services now they face class action litigation. Several high portfolio ministers will face crinimal class action charges they won’t be in power by the time the election is due
Bob, I first heard you speak as an undergraduate at Massey nearly 50 years ago and your speeches were top class, as was the sophisticated eye candy you brought along to torture poor business studies students. I think you are one of the sharpest political minds of my generation although you did miss the Trump victory as did many (not financial markets I must say which priced in his victory 2 months out).
However, I can’t agree re Luxon at this stage. I contrast him with Helen Clarke (one of the sharpest political operators we have seen) who would always be over the issues of the day and she would have chewed Jack Tame up and spat him out.
I get he is a newbie but his follow up performance on Hoskin’s show a few days later was even worse, and this is a friendly environment. Not too many good words from Air NZ staff about his days there and many of his decisions are still biting them on the bum. He may improve but I think he will never really connect with the middle.
National should just cut to the chase, sack him and bring in Erica, I don’t support the Nats ,, Labour for change (in the old days) and then Act to keep the Nats honest when they come back to do business as usual .. …..but I might vote for her !
Totally agree, Earl.
Luxon regularly displays his annoying ability to talk incessantly without actually saying anything. Can’t help thinking that he’s in it for a knighthood…..
And yes, Erica makes a great deal more sense.
Why would Luxon play the game any other way ??
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