The dynamic duo

Colin Bell avers ‘‘it’s time for our our local MP (National’s Jonathan Young) to stop acting as a lobbyist for the oil and gas sector .... ’’ (Letters, TDN, Dec 10). I have enjoyed the plethora of oil and gas columns and letters to the editor by Jonathan Young and his ideological opposite, Colin Bell. Yes, they have vested interests.

However, they write with gusto and scientific credibility.

Jonathan Young (National’s spokesperson for energy) unashamedly wants to change the Government. The Coalition Government’s decision —without consultation—to halt future offshore oil and gas exploration has fired him up. He sincerely believes the regional and national economy is at risk. With respect to oil and gas, he’s like a dog with a bone.

Colin Bell is a retired engineer and a Labour Party stalwart. Because he’s not the Labour candidate for NP, he is exempt from electoral backlash, so he can enthusiastically advocate on behalf for renewable energies – and be seemingly oblivious to the employment dislocation that may result from the Government’s attempt to fast track the closure of the oil and gas sector.

Well done to the TDN for giving Labour’s Colin Bell the right of reply to Jonathan Young’s numerous opinion pieces on this very important topic. An incumbent MP typically enjoys huge advantages over the opposition and the TDN has ensured a fair debate. I look forward to more articles on hydrogen technologies and the ‘‘just transition’’ featuring other writers, and of course, the dynamic duo.

Bryan Vickery, New Plymouth