Lessons from PM longevity
Beware the third-term disease . . . John Key is the sixth prime minister since World War II to win a third term in power. Will he lecture his caucus tomorrow on the dangers of arrogance and veering off course after six years in power? How did his five predecessors fare?
Helen Clark (Labour) Election defeat in 1996. Victories 1999, 2002 and 2005.
The public initially respected Clark as a strong and decisive prime minister, but eventually tired of her all-pervasive style of leadership, Her third term also saw widespread denunciation of Labour as the party of “political correctness”, exemplified by Clark’s backing of legislation banning parents from smacking their children.
Jim Bolger (National) Election defeat in 1987. Victories 1990, 1993 and 1996.
Swept to power in 1990 landslide. Scraped back into power in 1993 after coming close to a leadership coup which narrowly failed. Negotiated post-1996 coalition agreement with New Zealand First but was attacked by colleagues for being seen as too close to Peters. Replaced in a bitter coup by Jenny Shipley in 1996.
Sir Robert Muldoon (National)
Victories 1975, 1978, 1981.
Our most cynical and divisive prime minister. Allowed the 1981 Springbok tour to proceed to win votes in provincial New Zealand. His third term was notable for his refusal to deregulate the stagnant economy, instead introducing an unworkable wage-price freeze. His government collapsed after losing its majority in Parliament.
Sir Keith Holyoake (National) Election defeat in 1957. Victories 1960, 1963, 1966, 1969.
Notable for winning a fourth straight term and admired by John Key as the National PM who comes closest to practising his style of consensus politics. Holyoake’s lengthy tenure was during New Zealand’s high prosperity in the 1960s. Retired because of his age.
Sir Sidney Holland (National) Election defeats 1943 and 1946. Victories 1949, 1951, 1954.
The beneficiary of the post-war economic boom sparked by a big jump in wool prices. Best known for crushing the unions during the 1951 waterfront strike. Retired prior to the 1957 election due to ill-health.