A Cornered Rat

That Winston Peters is a charming, handsome character, there is no doubt. He is famous for verbal rope-a-dope, which has opponents throwing jabs and haymakers at him while he bobs, weaves, and filibusters through round after round. Past opponents are left open-mouthed with hands hanging by their sides. (Click on title: A Cornered Rat for an example.) It harkens back to a time when the measure of a 'kiwi bloke' was a brawler with a wit. This, along with his identity as an apprentice of past master, Robert Muldoon, seems explanation enough for most New Zealanders, especially the 'Grey Power' block of voters who keep him in office. He is forgiven his zenophobic views about all immigrants - especially asians, despite representing New Zealand on the world stage as Foreign Minister. Ethically, and morally, the PM should have sacked him for that alone. In private, Mr. Peters will tell you that asian immigration is good for New Zealand, but afterall, he must cater to the fears of his core constituents to do the greater good. He is also the champion of anti-corruption in politics; necessary to have around to keep everyone else honest. But the duplicitous nature of his immigration private/public views seems to extend to all facets of the man's character given the current raruraru over his handling and declaration of party funds. Will he finally be outed? It remains to be seen, however a groundswell of fourth and fifth estaters appear to have finally had enough. That the PM lacks the moral fibre to clean house will only tarnish the Labour Party on the eave of the election. Someone should remind her that when you lay down with dogs, you will get fleas.