John Armstrong reveals that churnalists are mightily relieved now that David Cunliffe is in charge…they can actually understand what it is he has to say.
What was noticeable – in marked contrast to Shearer’s efforts – was the consummate ease with which Cunliffe dealt with all the questions. These ranged from whether Labour would commit itself to further America’s Cup funding by the taxpayer; the state of negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal; the age of entitlement to the state pension; the future of the Maori seats in Parliament; and the row over the Commerce Commission ruling on broadband charges.
Cunliffe answered every question in a crisp, straightforward manner. When he did not have a ready answer, he said so. When he did have a point to make it was made quickly, confidently and firmly.
This is a huge asset .
Yah an asset for the churnalists…who don’t have to work as hard anymore.
The proliferation of minor parties has made it more difficult for the Leader of the Opposition to get extensive media coverage. That should change. Political reporters now know they can rely on Cunliffe for a concise quote or sound-bite laced with a touch of cynicism or vitriol.
What unmitigated horseshit. There are no more parties now than there have ever been under MMP. What has changed is that churnalists don’t have to sit through 20 minutes of uhms and ahhs in their recordings before writing their articles.
