June 14, 2004

HIDE SEEKS, FINDS TOP JOB

Rodney Hide, New Zealand’s blogging member of Parliament, has been elected leader of the ACT Party:

Party president Catherine Judd made the announcement Sunday, saying the selection process had been "long and robust."

Candidates for the position, which was opened by the resignation of long-time leader Richard Prebble, stood for a general referendum balloting of members and then were evaluated by the caucus.

Congratulations to NZ’s star blogger, who writes of his leadership bid here and here. Reader Berend de Boer provides analysis:

I'm sure blogging was quite influential in winning over voters. It let them know Rodney Hide more personally and it showed he could campaign in novel ways. ACT, which is polling under the threshold lately, needs someone who is able to attract new voters.

The next step is: will he become minister of Finance? The elections are about a year away and it is likely the current socialist government will fail to get a majority. This would open the door for National (I couldn't describe what they stand for, sort of right of center socialists, but with some economic liberals in there as well) and ACT to form the new government. Because of his background and the party’s focus, Rodney Hide could well become Minister of Finance.

Hide’s central belief -- "Politicians need to tax less and spend more wisely" -- would seem to qualify him for the job.

Posted by Tim Blair at June 14, 2004 04:47 PM
Comments

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! First New Zealand, UND THEN - VE SHALL RULE THE VORLD!

Posted by: TimT at June 14, 2004 at 05:42 PM

Hide can run, but he can't... Oh, all right, I won't go there.

Posted by: Uncle Milk at June 14, 2004 at 09:29 PM

If a party like ACT ran New Zealand, I'd actually consider going back.

Posted by: Aotearoa My Arse at June 15, 2004 at 02:08 AM

good luck to Rodney. Over here in NZ ACT is slipping out of sight. A good party but with Brash in charge of National perhaps not needed anymore.

Posted by: Mike. A. at June 15, 2004 at 05:16 AM

Come on Mike, tell me exactly what policy of National is an ACT policy? They will not give you back your taxes, they won't lower taxes, and John Key promised even more family assistance.

If you want to be disappointed, pray for a National government without ACT.

Posted by: Berend de Boer at June 15, 2004 at 06:44 AM

I voted for Richard Prebble years ago, when he was known as 'Mad Dog Prebbo.'

I would never vote for a hamster.

Posted by: SteveGW at June 15, 2004 at 06:57 PM

good thing they call him Rhino then isn't it?

Posted by: jack at June 16, 2004 at 12:24 PM