Mark Keown

I haven't blogged on politics for a while. I have had all sorts of thoughts but it is National's latest slogan that has led me to break my silence.  I see with interest that National has a new slogan: “our bottom line is you” ( https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12253263 ). Here is a brilliant example of the naivety of this National Party leadership. First, it is naff! It is insipid. It is sickly. Get me a bucket. “Our bottom line is you”—what does that mean? It's kind of a reworking of “its all about you.” None of us can take that seriously because it is weak and puerile to the core. Second, be real National! The bottom line is winning the next election. It is either getting over 50% of the votes that count to win. Or, getting a coalition partner and together getting over the line! There is no coalition partner. Hence, you are destined to wallow in the opposition for another round. Get on with making that happen. Third, I ...