Key steals a march on Goff, again

John Key has now done something few would have thought possible. He has managed to build a sufficient bridge to the Greens that National and the Greens have signed a MOU to work together in areas of common interest and agreement. Whilst far short of confidence and supply it is a development that few would have put money on prior to the election.

This is an astute move as it means National has more Parliamentary heft in some areas should they need it. Further, if they can build a solid relationship with the Greens, it may well improve National’s long-term prospects for holding office.

John Key seems to be putting the necesaary building blocks in place for a sustained period of office for National and it’s allies.

Adam never thought he would see the day when National would be the nexus of a power grouping that comprises Greens, Maori Party, National and ACT. Yet again John Key demonstrates that it does not pay to underestimate him. The arrangements Key has put in place begin to rival, nay outshine those developed by SuperHelen; with one important proviso. Key is not beholden to the toxic Winston Peters.

Apart from building for National’s longer term prospects Key has further isolated Phil Goff and Labour. Goff will be fuming, when he is not squirming, as his period of occupancy of the Labour leadership seems to be shortening daily, unless party strategists come to the conclusion that they have lost in 2011 so might as well let Goff be the fall guy and then roll him after the election.

Died in the wool rightists might fume at Key’s actions, but let us remember that politics is about holding the reins of power. Under MMP Key is doing what has to be done. At the same time we might, might be seeing the glimmerings of some more rational thought in the ranks of the Greens.