NZ POLITICS DAILY: Act and National's Epsom pact

The big story of the day is obviously the allegations about the suspicious activities of various Israelis in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake in February.

The comprehensive story is told here: SIS on trail of suspected Israeli spies. At this stage, there seems little hard evidence or reliable information to form a full political analysis of what it all means, but undoubtedly this story will continue to evolve.

Instead, political commentators, journalists and bloggers are more fixated on the issue of marginal seats and cooperation deals between parties – especially allegations of collusion between Act and National involving the Epsom seat. Andrea Vance has some strong views on this – see: A shameless power-grab in Epsom – while Adam Bennett examines some of the deal apparently being discussed: Act look for deal to leave marginal seats alone. Labour’s Grant Robertson is scathing of the National-Act relationship. It seems likely that such deal making could be increasingly likely in this election, but it’s not entirely clear yet why that would be a problem.

A more significant and troubling development is once again highlighted today by David Farrar and Whaleoil, when they draw attention to the misuse of parliamentary resources by the Labour Party to campaign – see: Labour’s taxpayer funded campaign, More taxpayer-funded Labour propaganda, Dear Lockwood and Labour’s Pledge card rort re-visited. Similar issues were also dealt with in the Herald in the weekend: Like it or not, we foot the bill. Clearly there continues to be a serious problem with political finance in this country.

Bryce Edwards, NZPD Editor (bryce.edwards@otago.ac.nz)

Today’s content:

Israeli spy allegations

Fred Tulett (Press): SIS on trail of suspected Israeli spies

Audrey Young, Newstalk ZB and NZPA (NZH): PM: 'No link' to Israel intelligence

Michelle Cooke (Stuff): Identity theft may have been Israelis' goal - analyst

TVNZ: Key says not in 'national interest' to discuss spy allegations

Stuff: Come clean over Israeli suspicions - Goff

Kirsty Johnston (Stuff): New Zealand spy claims reach Israeli media

Lloyd Burr (TV3): NZ's recent history with Israel - overview

Tracy Watkins (Stuff): Key will have to say more on Israeli spy claims

Marginal seat debate