Rogue MP’s – are they value for money?

“What have they got that is likely to make a difference tomorrow if they can’t make a difference today?”

Election time will soon be upon us and one can expect the two major political parties ( Democratic and Cook Islands Party ) as well as other potential political parties, to start lobbying the general population for their support. How this will be done is anyone’s guess but speculations of “vote buying, offering political lollies, party favouritism and even jobs for showing party loyalty are but just some of the promises likely to be made to secure that all important vote on election day.
When we look back at the performance of our two main political parties over the past four years, there really is nothing to gloat or celebrate about. They have failed to maintain the wishes of the people due to poor leadership, misguided direction and lack of effective quality policy advice.
Government in particular, has been rampant in terms of total ignorance of governance and accountability issues and will more than likely suffer the consequences at the polls. On the other hand, the Opposition has fared no better continuing its “sleep mode” approach and lack of enthusiastic challenges to the lacklustre and poor decision making processes of Government. Even if Government was handed to the Opposition on a plate, they would probably miss the opportunity because of the ineffective leadership role of its political masters mainly the present Caucus members.
One has to take its hat off to the Cook Islands Party however who were brave enough to deal with the leadership issue at their conference in September and have included in their constitution, the principle that once Parliament is dissolved, the seat returns to the constituency and not remain with the sitting MP.
Unfortunately, some MP’s have taken it upon themselves to claim the seat is theirs and will defy the constitutional right of the constituents to challenge that principle. These are possibly the same MP’s who have ridden the crest of the wave and enjoyed the luxuries of Parliamentary perks and as yet, achieved nothing. Some have done absolutely that, nothing!
So for the ordinary person on the street, what value can they expect from their hard earned dollars of potential MP’s come election time. Judging by the performance of current MP’s, are we likely to see more of the same behaviour and attitude where the apathy of voters will see these MP’s returned or will we see radical change in the calibre of the type of MP voters would like to see represent their interests i.e. younger, smarter and committed to basic principles and philosophies.
Let’s speculate as to who some of these rogue MP’s might be. In the DEMO camp we have the likes of the DPM Sir Terepai Maoate, his son Junior Maoate, Wilkie Rasmussen, Tangata Vavia, Apii Piho, Smiley Heather and Robert Wigmore. In Opposition we have Tom Marsters, Norman George, Peto Nicholas, Vai Peua and Papa Pukeiti. Piho Rua, the Independent MP has also been classified as a rogue MP.
On closer analysis, many of those listed have probably got “expired” written next to their names but in all probability, will likely retain their seats by default possibly through fear of reprisals, job insecurity and treating on the part of voter response.
If these MP’s were to be judged on individual performance, the winner would be Sir Terepai Maoate who also secures our vote as “most unpopular MP.” The ultimate supreme award winner however would have to go to Wilkie Rasmussen whose fall from grace (or ministerial position) demonstrates why voters should be more cautious when considering who their next candidate will be.
If you were to combine and analyse the salaries being paid to these rogue MP’s against actual hours worked, travel, performance and results achieved, you would be hard pressed to justify why they should be paid at all. Most, if not all, have secondary sources of income to sustain their livelihoods and yet, accept no sense of responsibility when challenged as to their actions and decisions made on behalf of their constituencies.
Clearly there is a need for change. The question remains as to whether we will be any better off if some of these rogue MP’s are voted back in. What have they got to offer that is likely to make a difference tomorrow if they can’t make a difference today.
For some of our more senior MP’s, they have gone well and truly beyond their retirement date. This includes Maoate, Marsters, George, Vavia and Wigmore. They really have nothing left to offer other than lip service and temper tantrums if they don’t get their own way. And yes, all of this at the expense of the taxpayer!
What is needed for 2010 are people who are refreshed, open to new ideas, self motivated, articulate and willing to think unilaterally as well as strategically over-viewing at all times, the interest of the people and the nation. We need people who are prepared to do the hard yards, long hours but at the same time achieve results, not a person who is content to sit in an office, on the golf course or travelling the globe under the guise of “acting in the best interests of the nation.” Phooey, we need thinkers, we need workers and we need listeners.
Should we have the luxury of achieving that at the next elections, then you will be satisfied as a contributing taxpayer of this nation, that you will be getting value for your dollar through the investment of a person willing and able to promote the aspirations of the people. Only time will tell!

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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