Only three days until the election. I've made a pros and cons list of my top 5 choices but I've already narrowed it down to either Key or Brash.
John Key
Pros: the best PM in my life time. Superb response to the earthquakes. Good demeanor & style of government (not as intrusive as Labour). Good policy mix from the left & the right.
Cons: the easy choice
Don Brash
Pros: my personal political hero. Not a natural politician & all the better for it. Cuts through leftie spin with clear explanations of economics and policies. Good humour & demeanor.
Cons: 2005 was Don's Waterloo - has his time past? He aggravates the left for some reason. Needs to embrace his social liberal side more. John Banks.
Phil Goff
Pros: Some surprisingly bold policies with CGT & raising the age of retirement. $5K tax free income threshold. Would probably run a less intrusive govt than Clark's administration. Hard working & a decent guy.
Cons: A politican in every sense of the word. Simulated. Presents a totally unbelievable fiscal picture for NZ given spending commitments and spendthrifty Labour team from the Clark years.
Russel Norman
Pros: Modernised the Greens with minimal blood letting. Good response to 'sticker-gate' - perhaps trying to fill Rod Donalds shoes as the honorable parliamentarian.
Cons: at the end of the day he's a luddite and a ginga. Wants to ban everything. Every Greenie is ultimately a hypocrite.
Winston Peters
Pros: articulates a point well. Really socks it to the arrogant media. Good in opposition when on your side.
Cons: a liar. Untrustworthy. Full of bull.
Key vs. Brash
I'm torn between wanting to get Brash back into parliament & getting National a majority.
Reasons to vote Brash:
- Would make an excellent finance minister
- The nonconformist option
- Supporting my person political hero
- Probably my last ever opportunity to vote for Brash.
Reasons to vote Key:
- Best PM in my life time.
- A National majority govt would be good for NZ.
- A majority govt would stick it to Helen Clark and her legacy (political utu)
After much deliberation I have decided to vote for Key. I was very proud of Key during the Chch Earthquakes & the Pike River Mine tragedy and feel I should award him accordingly. I just hope Brash makes it back into Parliament without my vote.