The wheels are already falling off the Labour/Green civil union.
The sensible wing of the Labour has voiced their opinion with Damien O’Connor saying he can’t endorse the deal.
Labour’s West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O’Connor won’t say whether he supports the new agreement between Labour and the Greens.
The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday. They’ve agreed to work together to change the Government, to co-operate in Parliament and to investigate a joint policy and/or campaign.
Mr O’Connor would not answer “yes” or “no” today when asked – seven times – whether he supported the memorandum.
Instead he described the deal to oust the Government as “absolutely essential” and the memorandum as a “positive step” and a “good thing”.
It would “clarify uncertainties around how the parties work together”, he said.
“But my objective as always is to maximise the vote for Labour and ensure we’re the dominant party in a coalition government that will oust National.”
Mr O’Connor acknowledged many West Coasters were wary of the Greens because of the party’s opposition to mining.
“Understandably West Coasters fear for their jobs and the future of our region because of that. The harsh reality we’re facing now is that mining has indeed slumped and we are relying on other industries.”
The Greens have nobbled industry on the West Coast for years. He is right to reject them.
There are plenty of Labour MPs deeply concerned about this deal, and they are squawking. From what I have heard not many of them were briefed and it appears that Andrew Little and Matt McCarten have acted unilaterally as the hard left pushes to Andrew Little to head further left.
This deal is a dud deal and sensible Labour MPs know it.
– NZ Herald
