The first version of Helen Clark’s criticism of John Key and Bill Enlgish for taking time off with their families is a lot more damning than the second version which explains it wasn’t a premeditated attack but an answer to a question.
Miss Clark’s comment came in response to this question from a reporter: “Both John Key and Bill English are on holiday. Do you think they’ve got reason to be so confident?” Her response was: “They do seem to work pretty short weeks and years in my experience. I’ve found this job is pretty all-consuming.”
If it wasn’t that she’s made it clear she’s out to attack Key personally you could almost feel sorry for the way that statement has been construed as an attack on them for taking a brief break with their wives and children.
But she has made it patently obvious that since ignoring Key wasn’t working she’s set to go as low as she needs to in attacking him. Having done that she’s in no position to complain that an off the cuff dig landed her in a hole.
It’s also an indication her once legendary political skills are failing her. Not too long ago she’d have been content to make it clear that what the Opposition did was neither of interest nor importance; now by firing a cheap shot she’s made herself a target.
Homepaddock 
Agreed HP – Clark’s politicial skills have long gone. She used to read the mood of the nation really well; no longer. She used to leave the personal attacks to her goons – like Mallard and DB-P; no longer. She used to be Teflon Helen; no longer. Now she’s even ostracisied the Maori Party, and that must be the final nail in Labour’s coffin; the left was pinning its hopes on a Labour/Green/Jim/Maori alliance, but the attack on Derek Fox has scuttled that.
Oh dear; how sad; never mind!
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