Tizard confounds Herald, iPredict traders
The former MP causes trouble, even when she does the right thing. To a couple of reporters, and a gambling site, it must feel like chewing on a dead rat, as the saying goes.
Even when she does the right thing, Judith Tizard has a unique ability to cause trouble.
As first-drop on Labour's list, the former Auckland Central MP had the right to take Darren Hughes' place in Parliament.
Many thought she would. Some literally bet on it.
In the build-up to her decision, announced live ("Drama Queen, moi?") on TV1's Q&A at 9am Sunday morning, iPredict.co.nz gamblers thought Ms Tizard had an 85% chance of returning to the house.
The Weekend Herald also tipped the former MP would claim her spot, citing "sources".
In the event, Ms Tizard made liars out of both, deciding against taking her place on the list (Andrew Little Labour's leadership persuade not just Ms Tizard but the next four on its 2008 list, former MPs Mark Burton,Mahara Okeroa, Martin Gallagher and Dave Hereora, to step aside in favour of former its own choice, former Silver Fern Louisa Wall, sixth down).
iPredict traders were left nursing their wallets (the contract for Ms Tizard returning to Parliament is still open, but trading at $0.0001).
Their only consolation: like the rest of the country they got to hear the former MP deliver the political line of the year so far.
Ms Tizard told Q&A host Guyon Espiner that Phil Goff sounded "like he was chewing on dead rats" when he told her it was her decision, and she would be welcome back.
And, ever the charmer, she compared outgoing Labour president Andrew Little to a sulking 15-year-old who "smokes too much dope."
Who knew drugged-up teens were so good at back-room politics?
NBR staff
Mon, 04 Apr 2011
Mon, 04 Apr 2011
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Tizard confounds Herald, iPredict traders
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