PM backs Smith...

[Oscar]

I would have gone with repetitive, but hey, each to their own... I just got to thinking, as a curmudgeon, you must have seen your freedoms slowly eroded away over the last, say 20 years... and a whole raft of new legislation come in, the cost of living to shoot through the roof, the politicians prancing about without a care in the world and playing fast and loose with the public finances to the tune of ??? million... money that could go to much MUCH better uses... and wondered why you were so mute over the issue. Desensitised perhaps? just happy with your lot? fuck 'em we aren't here for long anyway, why make it easier for the next generation? but, like i say... sorry i woke you with yet another repetitive post...

Au contraire - as I said earlier I would say that the use of tax payers money to pay MP's court costs is a guarantee of freedom, not a limitation. If I was sued by a client at work, I would expect my employer to pay.

Imagine the scenario where Winston Peters sued the Chairman of a Select Committee and the MP in question had to fund his own defense. Basically an MP wouldn't be able to say anything outside the debating chamber for fear of being sued and the financial ramifications of even a successful outcome.

[Coldrider]

I saw that too... but being true to form, he's hoping for an early settlement, which usually means they'll get half of what they asked for (sounds vaguely familiar )

Actually I think it is $26M

[puddytat]

I hope the smug fuck loses.....
If he does, then shouldnt he lose his job?
Im sure his cronies will look after him,....a seat on the water commission maybe or maybe the pay is better in mining.

[mashman]

Au contraire - as I said earlier I would say that the use of tax payers money to pay MP's court costs is a guarantee of freedom, not a limitation. If I was sued by a client at work, I would expect my employer to pay.

Imagine the scenario where Winston Peters sued the Chairman of a Select Committee and the MP in question had to fund his own defense. Basically an MP wouldn't be able to say anything outside the debating chamber for fear of being sued and the financial ramifications of even a successful outcome.

Tough at the top eh! I guess that's why they get paid the big bucks... must be danger money for when they step out into the big bad world and aren't "untouchable" any more... but on the brightside they'll still be getting their MP benefits...

In this case I actually agree with what Smith said... but he should not be using public money to defend HIMSELF and HIS opinions, HE WASN'T PART OF A SITTING GOVERNMENT AT THE TIME... this case is Company v Individual v Individual... not Company v Employer...

[mashman]

I hope the smug fuck loses.....
If he does, then shouldnt he lose his job?
Im sure his cronies will look after him,....a seat on the water commission maybe or maybe the pay is better in mining.

He won't lose, or at least i'd be surprised if he did. He asked very valid questions and, by the sounds of things, damaged the "reputation" of a company, one of its products and potentially future revenue... the fact that these guys are seeking compensation for a "dodgy" product is ludicrous on its own...

But I still maintain that he should not receive any public money, JUST because he's an MP...

[Oscar]

Tough at the top eh! I guess that's why they get paid the big bucks... must be danger money for when they step out into the big bad world and aren't "untouchable" any more... but on the brightside they'll still be getting their MP benefits...

In this case I actually agree with what Smith said... but he should not be using public money to defend HIMSELF and HIS opinions, HE WASN'T PART OF A SITTING GOVERNMENT AT THE TIME... this case is Company v Individual v Individual... not Company v Employer...

1. They aren't paid big bucks.
2. I didn't differentiate between Govt. or Opposition MP's. They should all be free to go about their business without the threat of legal action.

[Coldrider]

1. They aren't paid big bucks.
2. I didn't differentiate between Govt. or Opposition MP's. They should all be free to go about their business without the threat of legal action.

But the shit that sprouts out of their traps should be true, and be backed up with facts.

[mashman]

1. They aren't paid big bucks.
2. I didn't differentiate between Govt. or Opposition MP's. They should all be free to go about their business without the threat of legal action.

1. Yes they are in comparison to the rest of the country... Don't forget to add the "benefits" package... free everything by the looks of it.
2. I know you didn't... but the case in the OP is Company v Individual v Individual... IT'S AGAINST THE INDIVIDUAL, not whom they represent... must just be business as usual for yourself ... Like I said before, tis tough at the top... that's part of the job... get over it... and watch your mouth like every other person has to do in their job...

they're politicians fer fucks sake... they should be used to "playing the game by now"... No? if not... perhaps they should lose their job for being such a poor "representative" of their people...

[Oscar]

1. Yes they are in comparison to the rest of the country... Don't forget to add the "benefits" package... free everything by the looks of it.
2. I know you didn't... but the case in the OP is Company v Individual v Individual... IT'S AGAINST THE INDIVIDUAL, not whom they represent... must just be business as usual for yourself ... Like I said before, tis tough at the top... that's part of the job... get over it... and watch your mouth like every other person has to do in their job...

they're politicians fer fucks sake... they should be used to "playing the game by now"... No? if not... perhaps they should lose their job for being such a poor "representative" of their people...

In general, for their qualifications, their pay and perks are very poor. This may be why we miss out on the best and brightest.

They will certainly lose their jobs if they fuck up, however I'm not sure that the electorate agrees with you in the case on Mr. Smith. The beauty of democracy is that you can rant all you like on line, but when it comes down to it - you only have one vote like the rest of us.

[mashman]

In general, for their qualifications, their pay and perks are very poor. This may be why we miss out on the best and brightest.

They will certainly lose their jobs if they fuck up, however I'm not sure that the electorate agrees with you in the case on Mr. Smith. The beauty of democracy is that you can rant all you like on line, but when it comes down to it - you only have one vote like the rest of us.

For their qualifications??? what qualifications? tertiary? experience? what? and once you've been an MP you're then covered for life by the sounds of things... pretty fuckin good perk in my eyes... money for nothing... tshhh yeah.

True, I only have one vote the same as everyone else... but when those votes are combined... "you only have one vote like the rest of us" are you saying that votes aren't powerful? SCREAMS "social conditioning" to me...

The fact that I may well be alone in my own conviction, says more about you than it does about me.