Politically appointed, politically disappointed

New Health Minister David Clark is considering asking District Health Board chairs for resignation letters.

David Clark says resignations may be accepted if DHB chairs aren’t “on the same wave-length” as the new government.

Dr Clark said he was “very seriously considering” asking for resignation letters and would make a decision shortly.

“I want to be sure that the district health board chairs … are in agreement with the current government’s agenda and direction. I need them to be on board with where we’re heading.” . . 

New ministers will, sooner or later, look at appointments made by their predecessors.

They have the right, and the power, to let them continue in their roles, or to terminate their appointments.

Clark should consider whether or not he wants DHB chairs to continue but he’s made a mistake by musing about it in public.

He should be doing his considering in private and once he’s done it he should act by either confirming chairs will stay or asking them to go.

By musing publicly Clark looks like he’s pussy-footing.

He also risks chairs calling his bluff by not writing resignation letters which would then force him to sack them.

Everyone who accepts such appointments know that when they’re politically appointed they can be politically disappointed.

Public musing merely looks like ministerial vacillation.