Columns

Michael Laws leapt in to control the possible story over his apparently scandalous relationship and resulting text messages. His claims of there being political motivation behind the story seem a little odd, though. As Laws is not running for Mayor of Whanganui again, the only person with political motivation I can see is from Laws himself. Seeking to gain maximum exposure, and possibly gain some sympathy, Laws may have reached the point of no return in the belief no publicity is bad publicity.

While both Laws and New Zealand First have denied any kind of future alliance, a Michael Laws-Winston Peters come-back is still anticipated and secretly hoped for by many. National politics has been sadly lacking since the last election. Whatever your views on his politics, and on any possible impropriety, no debate is complete without Peters having his say. It is hardly surprising the media went chasing him up whenever issues around superannuation were raised, and no one has taken over his position as outraged spokesperson for the elderly patriot. He knows how to get his opinion heard, and how to get just the right balance of controversy.
   This is something that he shares with Laws, whose columns and radio spot have been used to fuel controversial debates. His ability to get Whanganui in the news has been phenomenal as well; what other council chamber is home to news cameras as often? Laws has honed his ability to dig down to the slightly red-necked subconscious of many voters, and has done a better job at it than even David Garrett.
   So, many see a union with Peters as almost inevitable, and as each has a slightly different target base, the ability to pander to as many stereotypes as possible could see New Zealand First gain more support than under Peters alone. The coming election will be an opportunity for the minor parties, as disgruntled National supporters from the centre and the extreme right abandon the party for either doing too much or not enough and without a strong Labour alternative, they have everything to gain. John Key has even refused to rule out working with Peters after the election, suggesting the astute gambler considers he may have a serious chance at gaining either a seat or enough votes to make it back into Parliament. If they pick up the votes of grey power, the xenophobes and those who see their vote as the chance to make a joke now that the Bill and Ben Party has de-registered, New Zealand First could hold the balance of power once more. Such a party, with two egotistical, larger-than-life men trying to lead it, could make a much more unstable, if much more entertaining, Parliament.