The silent assassin

[Skyryder]

Now that the speaker has clarified that the 'travel perks' are part of the MP's remuneration package (Speaker Lockwood Smith went on the front foot yesterday over MPs' international travel perks, saying the subsidies are a well-established part of an MP's salary package and that he feels partly responsible for the opprobrium attached to them at present.) is just me that finds it strange that this now has come out after Hide apologises for taking his partner away with him. Seems according to Smith that Rodders had this right after all. Anyone see Key's hand in this or is it just me??

Skyryder

[Flatcap]

Anyone see Key's hand in this or is it just me??

Skyryder

You see Key's hand in everything you don't like

He is not all seeing all knowing all doing (as much as I would like it)

[MisterD]

is just me that finds it strange that this now has come out after Hide apologises for taking his partner away with him. Seems according to Smith that Rodders had this right after all. Anyone see Key's hand in this or is it just me??

I think it's just you...

The issue with Rodney wasn't that what he did was against the rules - it was the fact that "The Perk Buster" was seen to be making use of the perks.

MP's and ministers have always had travel perks for their partners (cf Chris Carter "minister for foreign travel") IIRC Rodney is one of a number of MP's who qualify, by dint of being elected prior to a certain date, for partner travel perk but take a lower actual salary in return.

[avgas]

No offence - but Mr Key HAS to have his hand involved. He is a politician.

I am yet to meet a politician who actually does it to give back. And good on them - they have found a way to rip us all off, and we determine who is to rip us off every couple of years.

I wish I was smart enough to come up with a scam like that.

[Skyryder]

I think it's just you...

The issue with Rodney wasn't that what he did was against the rules - it was the fact that "The Perk Buster" was seen to be making use of the perks.

MP's and ministers have always had travel perks for their partners (cf Chris Carter "minister for foreign travel") IIRC Rodney is one of a number of MP's who qualify, by dint of being elected prior to a certain date, for partner travel perk but take a lower actual salary in return.

Yep could be just me, but given the fact that Key is known for having a vindictive reputation, the timeing of Smiths clairification just seems to fit in with Keys nick name. He's skewered Hide good and proper

Skyryder

[mashman]

i'd like to see the employment contract please as i don't remember signing anything that allows these twats to use my hard earned cash for their jollies... i'd lose my job if i tried that here!

[trustme]

Hide never broke any rules, it was simply not a good look. The perk buster got busted because there is increased scrutiny & increased transparency with regards to mp's profligate & wasteful spending . It has been going on for years & all parties are guilty of it.

[p.dath]

I think it's just you...

The issue with Rodney wasn't that what he did was against the rules - it was the fact that "The Perk Buster" was seen to be making use of the perks.

MP's and ministers have always had travel perks for their partners (cf Chris Carter "minister for foreign travel") IIRC Rodney is one of a number of MP's who qualify, by dint of being elected prior to a certain date, for partner travel perk but take a lower actual salary in return.

Also he timed his European trip so that his partner could attend a wedding - rather than because that was what was required for the job.

[StoneY]

Also he timed his European trip so that his partner could attend a wedding - rather than because that was what was required for the job.

OMG your making sense for once!!!!!
BlinG

[Winston001]

I'm not impressed with Rodney Hide doing what he has previously criticised other politicians for. Nevertheless neither he nor Chris Carter (the king of perks) have done anything unlawful. Hide has at least shown some shame and paid money back.

However: many many people take advantage of employment benefits when they can. Work vehicle, mileage at high rates, a few parts and bits from the supply store....... Its human nature to grab extra if you are can.

So I think the NZ public are being a bit precious about the MPs job benefits. The average Kiwi would do exactly the same if they had the chance.

[Marmoot]

Seems according to Smith that Rodders had this right after all.

Rodders did have it right the first time. And to make it fortunate, he put an example by bufooning himself.
Not the smartest move for his political career, but hey it worked!
Give credit where it's due.

[pete376403]

Yep could be just me, but given the fact that Key is known for having a vindictive reputation, the timeing of Smiths clairification just seems to fit in with Keys nick name. He's skewered Hide good and proper

Skyryder
[pedant mode] It is Smiling Assassin, not Silent. No politician can keep silent, even when it drops them in shit (eg hariwira) they just aren't wired that way.
[/pendant mode]

[Skyryder]

[pedant mode] It is Smiling Assassin, not Silent. No politician can keep silent, even when it drops them in shit (eg hariwira) they just aren't wired that way.
[/pendant mode]

He got his name from his days as money trader. I spotted it in a link I was looking at some time back in the days of his lies on Tranz Rail.

Skyryder