Between Lee and Norman.

Comments include a Labour electorate worker stating that crime does not figure in their local issues polling, and a claim that the Waterview decision will be released tomorrow – haven't…

I'm not making a moral point, so much as a political one: that National won't help its by-election cause by going after Shearer as a carpetbagger.

Probably not, though I've also got to wonder whether 'Super City = The Last Days of the Weimar Republic' is going to be that…

I'm not making a moral point, so much as a political one: that National won't help its by-election cause by going after Shearer as a carpetbagger.

But I am of the view that National very successfully cultivated during last year's election the impression that it was clean/positive/concerned about "the issues that matter", while Labour came to be seen as grubby/obsessed…

And whatever happened to National's much vaunted positive campaigning?

On come on, Gary: A tad precious? Now, I didn't have any problem with someone pointing out simple facts about Key's history (and while we have a secret ballot, voters are free to make whatever judgements that choose from them); where…

I wonder whether National's going to keep this up.…

Or maybe the "we're not a UNIversity coz the rotten government didn't let us and made us stay a TECh".

That's the one that's in the electorate ...

Or maybe the "we're not a UNIversity coz the rotten government didn't let us and made us stay a TECh".

whipping beanie off...

And you thought I was being a bit smutty?

There will be a

By-election Candidates Q&A session on Transport

Wednesday 13 May, 7.30pm,

at the Faumuina Gold Theatre, Building 180 (Main Student Building containing ‘The HUB’/quad), entrance GATE 4, use 2nd public carpark, building is 100m from there…

Kiwibleurgh..

Gold.

The Standard hasn't made it there yet, and I refuse to analyse Kiwibleurgh..

Was it the sheer 'groan-ability' or just the peurile smuttiness? Or something else?

Does Albert get tired of being mounted?

Oh come on. Some of us have limits and that's too low.

(Does Albert get tired of being mounted?)

He does realise there's an archery range up there?

Time will Tell.

Salient has called off the lawyers

Oh good. I wonder why they used real lawyers.

Could they not have got all the students taking Frivolous And Vexatious 215 to dash off a warning letter.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jackson James Wood Challenges Other Candidates

Mt. Albert’s favourite second cousin and arguably front running candidate Jackson James Wood…

the "grey bureaucrat reputation" thing does show how an idea can propagate passively through the media. It's not actually saying he is a grey man, it's saying that, well, people say he's a grey man

Yes, it shows the power of getting in early with the framing – something at…

Perhaps it was as simple as this: Simon was out following routine campaigning with Melissa Lee, and it would have been a thoroughly average story were it not for David Baird's outrageous statements which were just too astonishing to be anything but the main angle.

Quite. No editorial conspiracy here,…

So, I'm going to ask this again: Am I the only person here who's actually met Simon Collins? My impression (and a well-founded one) is that any insinuation that he'd slant a story towards any party is not only absurd but pretty distasteful.

By his own will, or imposed from…

I concur with Simon G that Shearer would be among the first to tell Baird to get lost.

I'm confident he would, but since I didn't call Shearer a racist in the first place I wasn't really in the mood to state the fucking obvious. I was just saying that…

Spare us the gratuitous party point-scoring.

Simon: Thanks for the David Brent-like irony deficiency.

It is a real piece of black propaganda that may stand as a model of the genre. The clear intention of the article is to implant in the voters mind the idea that Melissa Lee is…

I don't think you know Simon Collins, but I do. If he's a National Party hack, I've been a deep red mole all these years. Meanwhile, Tom, isn't it pretty vile that Lee has to get her nose rubbed in that kind of racist bullshit, even if she's an…

It is a real piece of black propaganda…

I think Shearer can have that one...

And I think Shearer would tell the racist where to go. And I think you know that, Craig. Spare us the gratuitous party point-scoring.

National Party attack line

I see your point, Tom, but I'm pretty sure that's a Green Party attack line.

White-haired Mt Albert pharmacist David Baird met his first living, breathing politician yesterday – and gave her an earful.

"Hi, I'm Melissa Lee, National candidate for Mt Albert," said the politician.

"Well you won't be getting my vote because I don't…

pretty faces, smooth talkers and stars

Future Mayors of Auckland, you mean?

I'd say you could bank on that.

Bouncy Knowles waterboarding Etta James' back catalogue

Fabulous. :)

pretty faces, smooth talkers and stars

Future Mayors of Auckland, you mean?

No. Next question?

So, how much did they charge? :)

UK Lib Dems and…

– the UK Lib Dems elect their leader by a postal ballot of all members. They…

Another way could be to charge everyone $1000 to get in and say it's for a good cause. Init what National did at Sky City on Election night?

No. Next question?

That's certainly how the Nazis did it

What, the actual, German, Nazis? I thought that their methods for dealing with recalcitrant party factions were a bit more agressive than stacking meetings?

Sometimes, Craig, I genuinely wonder whether you need us in your conversations at all.

Gio: And I quite often don't have to form an opinion of my own, become some charming person has done it all for me. But one digresses...

I'd love to be wrong about this, but I'm…

Would it be nice if the left avoided the Monty Python redux?

As in this Monty Python redux?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb_qHP7VaZE&feature=fvst

If anyone is tempted to brush off the Wansy Pong cracks, don't.

Sometimes, Craig, I genuinely wonder whether you need us in your conversations at all.

If anyone is tempted to brush off the Wansy Pong cracks, don't.

Nah. She's not remotely like Pansy Wong. She sounds to my ear like a commercial radio host.

I'm sure there'll be a few more awkward moments for Shearer but I'm impressed that of the three candidates, he's had the least to input into all the silliness.

I suspect that will be the plan: don't say anything silly. It's not a particularly sophisticated plan, but it just might…

Lee doesn't seem the strongest of candidates but that's hardly surprising given the history of the seat. I'm sure there'll be a few more awkward moments for Shearer but I'm impressed that of the three candidates, he's had…

I…

To be fair the Lee "scoop" was an NZPA one.

Oh... that's OK then. It would be unreasonable to expect the Herald to exercise any editorial judgment over wire copy, when they've pretty much given up with their own.

On the evidence of her interview on RNZ this morning, Ms…

On the evidence of her interview on RNZ this morning, Ms Lee talks very fast and could become annoying on repeated exposure.

"You know, people have concerns... yes, they are concerned about that, you know, but there are other concerns. You know."

It could get a little annoying, yeah.

Labour seized on National Party documents yesterday that called Ms Lee "Mt Albert's list MP", saying this meant a backroom deal was done before last night's selection…

The Herald's scoop on Melissa Lee's perfidious pre-selection — also breathlessly run in Nightline tonight, with Goff gleefully offering comments --appears to be bollocks.

O'Herald outsources credibility to Bangalore. Again.

Perhaps now someone can run a, y'know, valid story.

So the Labour process is that:
– the head office choose a candidate, with overridable input from the local party
– the elected candidates (who become MPs) choose the leader
– the leader appoints the head office

That right?

I've never had too much of a problem with the votes…

Just as I rather doubt The Standard's National Party "sources" are anything more than a dollop of shit-stirring. Perhaps I'm showing my age, but I remember the good old days when you'd actually STFU about floor votes at selection meetings.

Well, not to be ageist about it but (a) I'm…

The only Labour "spies" to be talking to Whaleoil will be either imaginery or stupid.

Just as I rather doubt The Standard's National Party "sources" are anything more than a dollop of shit-stirring. Perhaps I'm showing my age, but I remember the good old days when you'd actually STFU about…

Can you suggest a better system?

One member, one vote?

Eventually though, aren't you going to have to trust the people you elect – allow them to take some responsibility, or is our life going to be an endless procession of polling booths. We wouldn't get a hell of a…

Can you suggest a better system?

One member, one vote?

So the Labour process is that:
– the head office choose a candidate, with overridable input from the local party
– the elected candidates (who become MPs) choose the leader
– the leader appoints the head office

That right?

To be a little less cynical Rich o O, and from…

That right?

Meanwhile, Whaleoil is all over it, claiming his "Labour spies" have told him Shearer lost the floor vote (but only after he's read it in the comment at The Standard that contradicted Tane's post).

The only Labour "spies" to be talking to Whaleoil will be either imaginery or stupid.

National is holding a meeting in Auckland suburb Mt Albert this evening to select its candidate – but someone in the party has already decided who it is going to be.

The National Party Mainland Conference agenda lists Mt Albert candidate MP Melissa…

Tane at the Standard says:

The only thing I’d add is that Norman’s line about Shearer being imposed by…

*cough* Well, I get rather bored with whats-her-face on Checkpoint I'm just waiting for someone to just snap and tell her, "I didn't give you the answer you want the first dozen times you screeched that incredibly stupid leading question, so why don't you fuck off?"

Craig – I know…

George, you make a fair point, however I feel Dr Norman's drawn attention to his claim to be candidate when challenging Shearer's. But I've made my point, I'll move on.

Well, given Norman's lack of connection with the electorate, the Greens are in no position to attack other candidates as…

Still, enough of attacking Norman for his place of birth. He's a citizen, so just as much a New Zealander as any other.

George, you make a fair point, however I feel Dr Norman's drawn attention to his claim to be candidate when challenging Shearer's. But I've made my point,…

It also occurs to me that although he's talked of as the Leader's candidate, Phil's Leader and also the MP for Mt Roskill (at least 27 years as a Jafa) and might just have a few insights into Auckland matters that the Queenslander doesnt?

They also have the advantage of…

*cough* Well, I get rather bored with whats-her-face on Checkpoint I'm just waiting for someone to just snap and tell her, "I didn't give you the answer you want the first dozen times you screeched that incredibly stupid leading question, so why don't you fuck off?"

That would actually be…

It also occurs to me that although he's talked of as the Leader's candidate, Phil's Leader and also the MP for Mt Roskill (at least 27 years as a Jafa) and might just have a few insights into Auckland matters that the Queenslander doesnt?

I think a better point is…

Kathryn Ryan on the other hand bores me stiff with her girlish self-consciousness and her questions that border on the bleeding obvious.

*cough* Well, I get rather bored with whats-her-face on Checkpoint. I'm just waiting for someone to just snap and tell her, "I didn't give you the answer you…

Steven Joyce, the Minister of Transport has asked for a review of the tunnel option citing costs as…

The most I can make of this is to guess that Shearer lost the floor vote at the selection meeting, but still had the central party and LEC votes, and was thus elected. Which is how the selection process works. Anyone know any more?

Personally, I don't care but I…

I'm not hopeful for the Greens in this election. Given that Russell Norman's spell as campaign manager for the Greens saw them lose 30% of their vote, I can't see him leading them to much in Mt Albert.

More than likely this is an…

I wasn't at the selection meeting and am not involved with any of the parties. However, also from the Standard, a poster claiming to be from the local Labour branch reports a stitch up:

The most I can make of this is to guess that Shearer lost the floor vote…

as far as I can tell it's the last consistent public service broadcaster left in any medium in this country,

Totally agree and I hasten to add that I do listen to it – and to backtrack a little – even Morning Report – because Plunkett, in spite of his…

Gordon Campbell has a blazing response this morning:

So David Shearer is to be the Labour candidate in Mt Albert. The claims by Greens Co-Leader Russel Norman on Morning Report that this leaves Norman as the only progressive candidate on offer in the Mt Albert by-election were singularly depressing,…

There's also…

Laidlaw should come with a health warning, though. May cause drowsiness. Do not operate heavy machinery.

Yes but I'm so boring I occasionally find him electrifying.

I have detected a shift to the right in Radio NZ in recent years with Sean Plunkett leading the charge, of course.

Yeah, I think it's been quite apparent, both in choice of personnel and the tenor of a lot of RNZ's political interviews. But perhaps it's been obscured by…

]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 12:54:09 +1200 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-madness-in-mt-albert/?p=106849#post106849 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-madness-in-mt-albert/?p=106849#post106849 Seriously, though, I'm still surprised that Plunket didn't take his chance and jump ship from Radio NZ last November. He would have made an excellent press secretary for John Key.

Key already has some pretty formidible press secretaries – and the qualities that make Sean Plunkett a good interviewer would…

]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 12:42:24 +1200 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-madness-in-mt-albert/?p=106846#post106846 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-madness-in-mt-albert/?p=106846#post106846

Shearer came a distant 4th at the selection, and did even worse at the Q&A.

Yes, thank you, I was going to write something to the effect that if Goff politely suggests a name, surely whatever party structure is in place will go for that, at least publicly.

The most…

Oh, come on. The Herald is clearly a Nat lapdog, but RNZ? Endangering your credibility with that claim.

I have detected a shift to the right in Radio NZ in recent years with Sean Plunkett leading the charge, of course. But Kathryn Ryan does her best to keep up and…

Wow. So he thought he'd establish himself on the national stage as a wanker, did he? Kudos.

What Gio and Russell said.

The Greens will do whatever they want but I'm now far less sympathetic to the woe-is-me-I-was-screwed-over-by-Labour line. I can't help but notice that Norman's no less a blow-in…

Shearer came a distant 4th at the selection, and did even worse at the Q&A.

I’d…

Judging by Sean Plunkett's performance this morning, even Morning Report has taken the bait.

Even Morning Report? It's not called Radio New Zealand National these days for nothing, you know. Ahem.

Seriously, though, I'm still surprised that Plunket didn't take his chance and jump ship from Radio NZ last November.…

Well, Shearer did his best to counter it on Morning Report today. It didn't seem to make much difference: RNZ led its story with last week's private-armies angle for the next few bulletins.

Followed by Matthew Hooten obfuscating as fast as he could about David Shearer on Nine to Noon…

You can have enormous respect for what both men did, but suggest they actually need to bring something else to the table.

Sounds like he'd bring an interesting perspective to Foreign Affairs.

I don't have any coprophagous tendencies, so don't go putting any more crap in my mouth.

Along with your snipe at Shearer's "ego" I couldn't really see any other way to read it. But whatever ...

No, but making it sound like he's a nobody simply because he hasn't lived in NZ, but rather spent years tucked away in the "upper echelons of the UN peacekeeping apparatus" is equally as strange.

I don't have any coprophagous tendencies, so don't go putting any more crap in my…

The reality is it's been established in the media because Labour haven't been doing anything to counter it; the media can't fight Labour's battles for them.

Well, Shearer did his best to counter it on Morning Report today. It didn't seem to make much difference: RNZ led its story with…

The reality is it's been established in the media because Labour haven't been doing anything to…

Oh, so that's why Shearer should be in Parliament?

No, but making it sound like he's a nobody simply because he hasn't lived in NZ, but rather spent years tucked away in the "upper echelons of the UN peacekeeping apparatus" is equally as strange.

I seem to recall that one of them set up his office in Bagdad and was promptly blown to smithereens, along with most of his colleagues.

Oh, so that's why Shearer should be in Parliament? Sounds a wee bit too John McCain-ish for my liking... You can have enormous respect…

Oh, wow. So a National victory would make A VERY BIG DIFFERENCE ...

Has anyone else worked this out? It seems germane.

Until I read The Standard I totally thought you were being sarcastic.

About as churlish as Phil Goff pretending not to remember Norman's name?

The only reports I've seen depicted it as Goff suffering an embarrassing brainfade in the house, rather than an evil plot to "pretend" he didn't know Norman's surname. Do you know something different, Craig?

And I'm sorry if…

I see problems with Labour's (Goff's?) strategy in ignoring local party stalwarts in favour of someone who could be seen to be "the boss's man".

I'm not sure that's the case. The following (copied and pasted from a thread on The Standard) suggested that the local party has the advantage…

And I'm sorry if it wounds Shearer's ego, but most of us aren't familiar with the upper echelons of the UN peacekeeping apparatus.

I seem to recall that one of them set up his office in Bagdad and was promptly blown to smithereens, along with most of his colleagues.

Damn…

And Russel Norman kicks off hostilities. I can't help but think it's churlish to call someone who has spent years running humanitarian operations in the worst places in the world "a grey man".

About as churlish as Phil Goff pretending not to remember Norman's name? Actually, I take it back…

having been flown in from overseas at the behest of party leaders and not at the invitation of the local electors.

Apparently John Key was recruited by the National party president after a stellar career at Merrill Lynch's Helensville branch.

having been flown in from overseas at the behest of party leaders and not at the invitation of the local electors.

And the article says that he owns a house in Mt Albert and lived there before going overseas.

By-elections really seem to be down the bottom end of grown…

I would happily wager that the electors of Mt Albert know more about Russel Norman than they do about David Shearer.

Indeed. But being well known isn't always an asset. Otherwise Winston would still be in Parliament.

The electors of Mt Albert have probably seen Norman on TV or heard…

Russel Norman is, as a politician, entitled to take advantage of this perception, but we're also entitled to call him to account for it.

Quite. I've had this conversation with an antsy Green supporter over on The Standard. I think people are allowed to express an opinion on the words…

having been flown in from overseas at the behest of party leaders and not at the invitation of the local electors.

Substitute "overseas" with "Wellington", add that he is himself a party leader, and you're describing Russell Norman. What a great start, that man!

Kiwi Party – TBA
Legalise Cannabis – TBA

The candidates so far (in party alphabetical order)...

ACT – John Boscawen
Greens – Russel Norman
Labour – David Shearer
National – still tossing up between Melissa Lee and Ravi Musuku
Progressives – no candidate
United Future – to be announced ~14 May

Kind of hedged my bets for…

'pose it's too late to start a copyright reform party ?

What are you doing? Do you want the Candyman to take this thread over too?

By the way I've just voted for PA on the Net Guide web awards

Me too, but I wish there were fewer commercial categories and more public interest categories.

That's what I have a problem with, and its what some labour supporters seem to be implicitly demanding.

I imagine that what most people who oppose National are worried about is a National win in Mt Albert. If this is what you use your vote to avoid, then it helps…

To which he was eventually proven right in 1999.

I agree entirely.

What did Prebble used to say, the smartest electorate in the country?

To which he was eventually proven right in 1999.

...............and…

THIS we should totally do.

Heh. Can I blame Freud?

Hide won his seat because Don Brash was clearly sympathetic to ACT.

Having a dodgy incumbent Nat MP probably helped too.

Yes. He's not otherwise known as "Richard Worthless" in my flat for nothing.

And Wellington Central is another country.

What did Prebble used to say, the smartest electorate in the country?

Hide won his seat because Don Brash was clearly sympathetic to ACT.

Having a dodgy incumbent Nat MP probably helped too.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00374.htm

*runs and hides from the PA Public Service Posse*

You can't tell voters what to do (e.g. the Ron Mark Rimutaka fantasy last time). Curse the people, they get ornery when poked.

I think Mark Thomas, National candidate for Wellington Central in 1996, may beg to differ. Wellington's National voters appear very compliant.

THIS we should totally do.

Wasn't that a different Auckland electorate??

Those may, in fact, be two different kinds of people who happen to support the same party, not one group changing their opinion when it suits them. I do say 'may' here.

Fair point, and I should add that the discussions have reflected various times and circumstances and have not…

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:42:18 +1200 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-madness-in-mt-albert/?p=106434#post106434 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-madness-in-mt-albert/?p=106434#post106434 On deals: the stars have to be aligned too.

Hide won his seat because Don Brash was clearly sympathetic to ACT. National's voters in Epsom were asked to take a small step for their party, not a giant leap of faith for mankind.

You can't tell voters what to do…

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:32:17 +1200 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-madness-in-mt-albert/?p=106433#post106433 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-madness-in-mt-albert/?p=106433#post106433

bi-election

THIS we should totally do.

I don't think the Greens can have it both ways; seek a deal in one instance and resent the suggestion in another.

Those may, in fact, be two different kinds of people who happen to support the same party, not one group changing their…

they get one more to add to their coalition majority which is already very solid... not particularly important except for the people involved

I think the legislative advantage outlined by Graeme isn't trivial. It would genuinely strengthen National's hand.

But perhaps I should downgrade my VERY BIG DIFFERENCE to a…

(btw, blaming the ALCP in 2005 for costing the Greens…

I just don't think the result of this election is significant enough to matter.

Greens in/out of parliament at an election, 5 MPs on the coattails of an electorate win, that's significant. Sure, Labour pushing their candidate to the back…

nobody needs to stand aside. quite a few people on this thread have said that all parties should give it their best shot. so it is annoying when someone suggests that the Greens might need to stand back while the Big Boys fight…

IMO, it would be useful for the Greens to start targetting potentially winnable seats, and Mt Albert will serve as a key learning exercise in this regard. Winning and holding an electorate seat may be key to the Green's survival in the future, especially if National succeed in…

There's an extra bonus for our household: our older boy, who turned 18 earlier this year, gets to vote for the first time in his life. That's more important to me than a Wellington gotcha.

A National victory would mean that they could govern/pass laws etc. with just an ACT abstention. At present, National needs support from Peter Dunne in addition to an ACT abstention to get things done.

Oh, wow. So a National victory would make A VERY BIG DIFFERENCE ...

Has anyone else…

The government has a majority with ACT alone (63/122 seats). If the Nats won Mt Albert, that wouldn't change (they'd have 64/122 seats).

The size of the majority would increase by one, but it wouldn't give them the ability to rule alone or anything.

A National victory would mean that…

However, it isn't fair to say our efforts in that electorate have been half-hearted. Our strategy has been to stand candidates with a view to increasing the party vote.

Yeah, I do understand that. I was responding to what Stephen said, which seemed to be sustaining the idea in this…

Including the suggestions that Labour stand aside for Norman? C'mon.

nobody needs to stand aside. quite a few people on this thread have said that all parties should give it their best shot. so it is annoying when someone suggests that the Greens might need to stand back while the…

and let's not even go near the CHE nonsense!

Well, it was pretty amusing, you have to admit.

It's used as a negative by default, and I suspect if it hadn't been tossed out like that in this case I'd have agreed with your privatisation take on it.

Of course it's used as a negative by default. NZ's illustrious history of getting thoroughly shafted by right-leaning governments flogging…

The size of the majority would increase by one, but it wouldn't give them the ability to rule alone or anything. About the only practical change would…

You're right about Mt Albert not being the top contender for a concerted effort to win a…

BTW, here's a question for Russel Norman: does standing now in Mt Albert mean that come-what-may, he'll stand in Mt Albert in 2011? Or is it just a fling?

I can answer my own question! Kinda.

The campaign email I got over night from Russel:

And, I also want you…

and why is it that the Greens are always the ones expected to sacrifice themselves for the sake of Labour? (but funnily enough it doesn't seem to work that way for Act/National)

Do the Greens have to be the victims in every story?

The fact is that the Greens haven't…

It's called democracy, bro.

Including the suggestions that Labour stand aside for Norman? C'mon.

when Labour went with Peters and Dunne in 2005

Wasn't it just classic MMP for big parties – cosy up to the smaller parties closer to your opposition? After all, Key has done it this time with the Maori Party and Greens,…

Policy is there to be implimented.

As for Norman, good on him. No other party has given a serious push…

You know, Paul, I don't always have the serious/shit-stirring ratio figured out with you but could you try being a little more condescending?

I'm not often shit-stirring here, elsewhere definitely, but not here.

Today in Question Time, Opposition leader Phil Goff…

Glenn, fair point, but referring back to what Mikaere and Russell said (and Lynn Prentice too) were the local issues, they are not issues the National candidate will campaign on are they?

You know, Paul, I don't always have the serious/shit-stirring ratio figured out with you but could you try…

but I'm increasingly inclined to I/S's position as previously stated.

It's called democracy, bro.

ah, no. the Greens have been shat on so many times by Labour ("the party of nz's working class"--yeah, right) that they might be forgiven for thinking someone had painted a large "Composting Toilet" sign on their office door (though only visible to the Labour Party leadership).

Perhaps it's just…

and why is it that the Greens are always the ones expected to sacrifice themselves for the sake of Labour?

Hmm, many would argue that the last 3 years things were the other way round. Certainly in terms of spent political capital.

If National is running Labour very close (or, indeed, ahead of Labour), Green voters will have a chance to switch candidates (as will Act voters).

and why is it that the Greens are always the ones expected to sacrifice themselves for the sake of Labour? (but funnily enough it doesn't…

I think the Greens do a pretty fine job of marginalising themselves. They had to be helped out on 2005 and *still* didn't get them numbers.

ah, no. the Greens have been shat on so many times by Labour ("the party of nz's working class"--yeah, right) that they might be…

At that point looking for private solutions is as much 'privatisation' as saying that my actions in investigating the market for a flux capacitor is equivalient to me privatising the provision of my domestic time travel needs.

Not that I'm saying that didn't work — because it totally did. It…

If that means giving some back to a Labour party that has consistently tried to marginalise them,

I think the Greens do a pretty fine job of marginalising themselves. They had to be helped out on 2005 and *still* didn't get them numbers.

My impression, though, was that in recent…