Myth crushed

Duncan Garner is suggesting Judith Collins is probably the best of the bunch of hopefuls for National Party leadership (Want the nuclear option? Then go for the Crusher, Feb 17).

His rationale seems to rely on ‘‘Crusher’’ Collins’ hard-nosed political trail which would seem to deem her bullet-proof. But Garner’s summary of Collins’ political career repeatedly describes her as ‘‘Crusher’’.

This is a myth that needs to be be put to rest for ever. Collins was the ‘‘go-to’’ politician behind legislation to crush cars under the ‘‘boy racer’’ legislation.

Only one car was ever crushed, and then, standing triumphantly on the carcass was Anne Tolley, who succeeded Collins as police minister.

There hasn’t been a crushing since. It’s time to bury the ‘‘Crusher’’ image and let Collins make her own way without a mythical persona given by the media.

If National want a real leader, without any baggage whatsoever, except for his briefcase, then they could do no better in selecting Mark Mitchell.

The party needs to be brave and follow Labour’s lead. Introduce the new brigade, not rely on has-beens.

Mitchell has an exemplary career in police and defence work and has the best degree of all. A graduate of the university of life.

You can’t keep an old copper down. But then I would say that. GERRY CUNNEEN

Khandallah