We send our MPs into dynamic of conflict, crises
The announcement that Invercargill MP Sarah Dowie will not stand again for the seat should not come as a real surprise.
Loyalty in the face of adversity has been the characteristic of Southlanders for many generations.
The September 2019 decision by National in Invercargill (not by the political party’s HQ) to reselect Dowie probably reflects this.
Yet the personal price of service on each individual MP week by week is high. In my six years that was certainly the case, particularly with young children. Commuting makes it doubly difficult. Still, we chose it. No excuses.
Since 1969, the city seat (unlike those surrounding such as Wallace/ Clutha held by Sir Brian Talboys and latterly Sir Bill English) has swung from party to party. English was fortunately able to move his young family to Wellington.
Crises for MPs are almost inevitable. In my own case in 1990 after early promotion to the middle benches, the National Party and its then leader moved suddenly and unexpectedly away from the proAnzus stance I strongly supported. No consultation.
Not standing again, then, was certainly an option for me. Yet in purely selfish terms, looking back, silent acceptance of the leaders’ preferences would have advanced me personally as a politician. Swallowing dead rats, they call it.
Yet is that what Southlanders really want in Parliament? Like the Chinese or Russian assemblies?
Sadly it has taken three decades to partially regain what the World War II generation decided was the right balance between New Zealand’s trading and defence interests.
Much as we think we Kiwis are truly independent, a population of just 5 million and a remote location cannot dictate to the world or disinvent nuclear weapons.
But we can, of course, guide others towards peace and stability and a Kiwi fair go. The March 2019 response from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to the Christchurch terror attacks again illustrated that – worldwide.
On all sides of politics we face multiple uneasy compromises.
It’s worse under MMP (after my time) when a tight, small group within each party controls policy and determines party lists.
Sadly that now applies to nearly half our sitting MPs. If you don’t agree – too bad. Down the list you go. Agree or depart.
Party leaders’ views are rarely ignored in the process. Recent events in Washington suggest similar problems in the Republican Party.
The MP who followed me, or as I should say more accurately, defeated me, Mark Peck, had his own demons. Political colleagues can be cruel. Presumably Dowie, whom I have not met, will now return to the law, perhaps in a city other than Invercargill.
In the years ahead, some will cast their minds back to her work representing the good people of Invercargill against an ever-growing and well-fed Wellington bureaucracy. These days it is bureaucrats who can call the policy shots in almost every area.
Invercargill should remember it takes years to engineer and implement worthwhile improvements. Now, in Invercargill yet again, a newish MP will start afresh.
‘‘Democratic’’ politics all over the world are under savage attack.
Free speech is part of our Kiwi culture, and inevitably it produces internal conflicts.
Individual MPs such as Dowie and, previously, myself act and then sometimes repent their actions at leisure. That’s simple humanity and will not change.
Dowie worked for Invercargill. She might have done even more in a higher office but it is not to be. Earlier, Ralph Hanan, John Chewings, J B Munro, Norman Jones, Mark Peck, Eric Roy and myself all contributed under successive governments.
It’s 51 years since Invercargill enjoyed the direct influence of a minister in Cabinet – the late Hon Ralph Hanan.
Those of my age will recall the smelter battles and Manapouri power debates. And the prosperity and jobs it created.
It doesn’t just happen. Work is needed. Look at MP Shane Jones in Northland today.
We should thank all Invercargill MPs and remind ourselves of an essentially non-corrupt ‘‘straight’’ political heritage. That sadly seems to be becoming a rarity worldwide.
Unlike many other nations, we can still enjoy changes in power without bodies, tanks, or assassins. Long may it continue.
Rob Munro was the MP for Invercargill from 1987 to 1993.