Unedifying

What an unedifying spectacle has been inflicted upon us. Up until recently we could look across the Tasman and quietly chuckle at the never ending mess they seem to be in. Similarly with Brexit. But no longer. Our own homegrown politicians have exposed themselves in a way which is a credit to none of them. Telephone conversations being recorded without the knowledge of the other party to the call, revelations that the me-too age exists within the Beehive and that deplorable ethnic and sexist comments are all too frequent.

This climate has enabled radio and television commentators to indulge themselves with a proliferation of illinformed criticisms and the relentless and carping pursuit of those they think at fault. While one byelection, and its concomitant cost, seems inevitable, the current furore has winkled out another former minister who has apparently been planning his exit for some time.

When questioned about the current situation within his party, he expressed his disdain for the whole affair and made it clear that he had no further political aspirations. This is fortunate given his overly liberal administration of his previous portfolio and its enormous cost.

Peter Clapshaw, Remuera.