10 October 2007

The Shadow of Doubt

As the All Blacks arrive back in New Zealand, Progressive Leader Jim Anderton is saying there are uncanny similarities between the rising panic of the National Party as it falters and the panic that swept the All Blacks out of the World Cup.

“As I looked across at the National Party in Parliament on Tuesday I saw that familiar flicker of doubt. That uncertainty that we saw in the eyes of the All Blacks as they lost their lead, is now there in the eyes of National MPs.

“They are making simple handling errors and their poll lead is evaporating. They are starting to visibly panic. National must be so used to getting knocked out before the final that they no longer believe they are capable of winning.

“New Zealanders know that familiar look of disbelief on the faces of our rugby players. And now it's there on the faces of National MPs.

“However, unlike the All Blacks, who have skill and recent outstanding success, National is rocked by doubt because it knows it suffers a talent drought and the lack of on-field leadership to change strategy when they need to.

“In the last two weeks they have repeatedly dropped the ball. They have announced their first two policies − sell strategic assets and increase the cost of doctors’ visits. And suddenly they are realising that their game plan is not going to work.

“You can see it in their eyes. It's the shadow of doubt − they actually know in their hearts that they can't win government next year because behind the flashy smile and swagger of their Johnny-come-lately leader there is no substance,” Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media