In with a Bang

A Trim Cappuccino and a Dirty Book

Not many men are lucky enough to have their wives deliver them coffee and a dirty book to work. Fortunately, I am. Last week my beautiful wife bought me a double shot trim cappuccino and, even better, a copy of Nicky Hager’s Dirty Politics (2014).

As far as dirty books go, they don’t get much dirtier than this. Sex scandals; lies; rumour; underhand, double dealing, and a few prostitutes for good measure. Not since Fifty Shades has a dirty book grabbed the country’s curiosity and interest. Or has it?

My wife and I watched with bated breath, the unfolding drama of Judith Collins’ demise over the weekend. We eagerly anticipated each new update and speculated what would happen next. But, do most people care? For those who follow the intrigue, plots and subplots of New Zealand politics, Dirty Politics is either a “left wing smear campaign” or the uncovering of the right’s aggressive attack campaign over the last six years. However, many people don’t care or don’t know. Some politician they barely know sending emails about a civil servant they don’t care about to a blogger they have never heard of is of no interest.  

Compared to dropping kids to daycare and school; paying the mortgage with ever increasing rates; doing the shopping; and winter sports, the comings and goings of shady politicians do not rate highly. In fact, despite the revelations of Dirty Politics, people I have spoken to still see John Key as the good guy. He's the 'man of the people'. The Labour Party, on the other hand, is seen as the party of the dole bludgers and other low lifes. This, of course, is exactly the perception National seeks to perpetuate. Today's memorable placard which read “National’s enemy is an informed public”, summed up the attitude of many people. Arguably, many of the public are not informed about issues or policies. No matter what, John Key is their mate, and in turn, will vote for him.

Although the continuing saga of dirty politics continues to inflict, to use Cam Slater’s words, "A death by a thousand cuts” for National, there is still more work to be done to get Labour’s policies into New Zealand homes. That way, the election is about policies not politics.