Instead of staying at home last night and watching the last televised leader debate, I went to support a friend at the Mt Albert candidates meeting. I met Joe Carolan a few months back at a protest, and I class myself very lucky to have done so. Last night Joe spoke with passion and genuine concern about the real problems facing this country - in particular poverty, inequality, housing, education, climate change, the TPPA, a living wage and real jobs. I dont think that 90% of people in the room knew who Joe was at the start of the meeting - also, hes a bit of a scruffy git - hes more for people and moral substance and character and caring for others, than his is for getting dressed to impress, so people dont really expect much from him when they see him ! BUT when he gets up and speaks in his incredibly calm, compassionate and eloquent way, his humour breaking through that Irish accent at every opportunity, people on every side of the political spectrum warm to him, and listen to what he says. I am convinced that people can sense that, although they may not always like what Joe says (because it sometimes makes them feel discomfort and a tinge of guilt and regret), it resonates with them, because they know it is the truth, and underneath, most Kiwis ARE good, caring people, people who believe in a fair go, a fairer and more equal society. Jeanette Elley (Greens) and Tracey Martin (ACT) impressed me last night, I must say. It was very telling that Tracey said that I would love to see Joe in Parliament, and everyone in the room agreed. Joe got the most number of heads nodding in agreement, the most number of positive comments, and by far the biggest cheers and applause. The straw poll taken from the audience was MOST interesting ! David Shearer is a shoe-in for the electorate seat, of course, but I think that the result of the totally unscientific party vote was fascinating, and my prediction is that this shock result (not for me, I must add) will be reflected when the votes are counted on Saturday:- Greens 19 Labour 13 I/Mana 11 Nats 9 NZF 5 ACT 3 Cons 2 United 1 Im not suggesting of course that the Nats are going to do this badly, or anywhere near it on the night, but what I do expect is that the Greens and Internet Mana (in particular) are going to give New Zealand (and its woeful media) a big surprise on Saturday with their strategic voting ! Joe wont make it in to Parliament this year, his turn will come in 2017 - of that, I have no doubt, and I will be there to support him. ** PLEASE think of others when you vote in this election, please vote for a better, fairer, cleaner New Zealand.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 01:55:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015