Valedictory roster

Parliament’s Business Committee has released the roster for valedictory speeches from retiring MPs:

Wednesday, 23 July 2014

(At the conclusion of the General Debate)

4.00pm – 4.15pm Dr Cam Calder

4.15pm – 4.30pm John Hayes

4.30pm – 4.45pm Chris Auchinvole

4.45pm – 5.00pm Colin King

5.00pm – 5.15pm Hon Chris Tremain

5.15pm – 5.30pm Hon Kate Wilkinson

Thursday, 24 July 2014

4.45pm – 5.00pm Dr Rajen Prasad

5.00pm – 5.15pm Darien Fenton

5.15pm – 5.30pm Hon Dr Pita Sharples

5.30pm – 5.45pm Hon Tariana Turia

Wednesday, 30 July 2014

(At the conclusion of the General Debate)

4.00pm – 4.15pm Dr Paul Hutchison

4.15pm – 4.30pm Hon Phil Heatley

4.30pm – 4.45pm Eric Roy

4.45pm – 5.00pm Shane Ardern

5.00pm – 5.15pm Hon Tau Henare

5.15pm – 5.30pm H V Ross Robertson

5.30pm – 5.45pm Hon Tony Ryall

The Herald opined that valedictories should be the preserve of “deserving” MPs:

No fewer than 14 National MPs are retiring at the coming election, plus a couple from other parties. While the turnover is refreshing for public life, it carries a cost if every departee gives a valedictory address. . . .

Few voters could name many of those retiring this year. Many are leaving because they have not been able to make much impact and accept that they should give others a chance. More credit to them, but valedictory time should be reserved for those who have made their mark and will be missed.

That is very ungracious and also shows a depressing level of ignorance about the role of MPs.

Most of the good work MPs do never makes the headlines, much of it can’t because it’s helping people over matters which must remain private.

Maiden speeches and valedictories are among the best speeches given.

All MPs deserve the opportunity to do one and in doing so show their work and parliament in a far better light than it’s normally portrayed.

Rajen Prasad retiring

Labour list MP Rajen Prasad  has announced he’s retiring from politics at the end of this term.

. . . Two other Labour MPs are going – Ross Robertson after serving 26 years in parliament and Shane Jones, who will soon resign from Parliament . . .

That’s three down but still leaves Labour looking old and stale.

 

Pushed will have nothing to lose

A party working towards a third term in government often looks stale and in need of refreshment.

National doesn’t have that problem.

It gained new MPs in both 2008 and 2011 and with resignations and retirements can expect a good number of new members after this year’s election.

Labour by contrast is in opposition and looking stale.

Only one of their MPs, Ross Robertson, has announced his retirement. Since no-one else is jumping they’re going to get a push:

. . . Mr Cunliffe also said he and deputy leader David Parker will meet with each of the MPs individually over the next fortnight and were already in discussions with some about their political futures within Labour. “There are one or two conversations with one or two colleagues that go to their long-term planning, but that is a private matter between them and the leadership team.” He would not say if they had approached him or he had shoulder tapped them. “We’ve got processes in place where we are setting goals for all our colleagues.” . . .

One reason for National’s renewal is that its MPs have other options and plenty of other things to do with their lives.

Many sacrificed income to go into parliament and can expect to earn more out of it.

The reluctance of Labour MPs to go graciously suggests they don’t have those options.

The caucus is already unstable, having to work under a leader a majority of them didn’t regard as their first choice.

Disgruntled MPs who feel they’re being pushed out will have nothing to lose if they let their disloyalty get in the way of caucus unity and their party’s best interests.