Justice wonk Simon Power has been declared "Politician of the Year" by influential beltway newsletter Transtasman.The publication compiles an annual ranking of MPs and this year gives Mr Power 9/10 for his work managing market regulation, liquor
Justice wonk Simon Power has been declared "Politician of the Year" by influential beltway newsletter Transtasman.
The publication compiles an annual ranking of MPs and this year gives Mr Power 9/10 for his work managing market regulation, liquor and justice reforms.
"Power is looking more and more like a leader in waiting, and the government is coming to rely on him in a way similar to Clark and Cullen," Transtasman declares.
John Key, pipped at the post for the main honour, lauded with a 9/10, has praise tempered with criticism that he's more about style than substance:
"Key needs an agenda, not just the consensus he is building around personal trust. A brilliant leader, who everyone in the Beehive knows is boss, but who hasn't yet produced the brilliant policy to go with it."
At the other end of the spectrum, Pansy Wong, her political career on the line after revelations she used parliamentary services-subsidised travel to further her husbands' business interests, has dropped off the radar.
She was scored 5/10 in 2009, and dropped to a dismal 2/10 this year. "Wasn't the brightest spark in cabinet," Transtasman snarkily notes.
Cabinet ranking by Transtasman:
Ministers outside cabinet, and government-backing backbench MPs, were also considered a mixed bag.
Pita Sharples (7/10) and Tariana Turia (7.5/10) were considered solid, while Rodney Hide (4.5/10) is let off blame for ACT's implosion: "Hasn't been helped by the destructive actions of others."
National list MP Paul Quinn is ranked the lowest of the entire parliament, scoring only 1/10. He is described as "Media-loathing misfit. Rude and arrogant. National should start wondering whether this list MP is a waste of space."
Fellow list MP Cam Calder's self-loving performances in the house contribute to his low (3/10) ranking: "Clearly fancies himself as one of Parliament's most colourful speakers. Pity it sounds like rubbish."
