Hide vs. Mallard – part II

Note: this post originally appeared on ‘Douglas to Dancing’, a blog I maintained from 2007-9 on the ACT New Zealand political party. The blog was an extension of the thesis I wrote about the Act Party in 2007, From Douglas to Dancing: explaining the lack of success of ACT New Zealand and evaluating its future prospects (PDF).

I’m pleased to see Margaret Wilson threw out Hide’s complaint about Trevor Mallard. Hide did not do himself any credit with this – a real “sideshow” to promoting policies if ever there was one:

[Wilson] said the ACT Party leader did not raise the matter in time and had not done it the right way.

“If a member wishes to have the Speaker refer the matter to the Privileges Committee, the member must act immediately….

Mr Hide said he was disappointed by Ms Wilson’s response.

“It is difficult to imagine what constitutes a breach of privilege if punching an MP in the head does not,” he said.

“The Speaker’s decision not to refer my complaint to the privileges committee sends a very poor message throughout New Zealand.”

Mr Hide previously said he would lay a complaint with the police if Ms Wilson did not call in the privileges committee.

Today he said he was considering his options for taking the matter further.

Hide has a golden opportunity to talk about tax this week with the launch of We’re Here to Help. Will he take it?