Key is quite different. He is not regarded as a compelling speaker. His less-than-clear diction is totally uncharacteristic of strong television performers.
What he does have, in spades, is sincerity. That is why he is popular.
People like him because he doesn't play games, unlike the previous Prime Minister who stamped her authority on the political scene for a decade by intimidating business leaders and selected media.
The time, of course, is quite different. In the heady days of Rob Muldoon throwing Tom Scott out of his post-Cabinet press conference, the parliamentary press gallery largely comprised experienced journalists who had forged their apprenticeships in the halls of power over decades. Names such as Ian Templeton, Judy Addinell, Richard Griffin, Richard Long, Oliver Riddell and Neale McMillan dominated the institution.
Those journalists accepted the unwritten rules of the traditional media/politician relationships which ensured matters of questionable personal ethics never made the news. These matters involved adulterous relationships forged in the incestuous parliamentary environment where frequent inter-caucus, inter-party and media/political liaisons were well known in the corridors of power, yet never saw the light of day.
Today, it is the exception rather than the rule to have press gallery journalists with the sort of long-term experience of a Barry Soper, a Guyon Espiner or a Jane Clifton.
Most journalists posted to the press gallery are younger, therefore less experienced, and do not have the same reverential regard for political status and authority that prevailed during the Muldoon era. I am not saying that is a bad thing - it is a simple statement of fact.
As for Mr Gould's comment that Key's cabinet colleagues have difficulty in shining - he is trying to find a sow's ear in a silk purse. I can't recall seeing a stronger cabinet line-up in decades, and attempts to paint Key's Government as a "one-man band" totally ignores the huge confidence Key places in his colleagues to do their jobs, without being controlled by the ninth floor.
Most of all, the big difference between Key and Muldoon is their personality. Sir Robert was essentially a loner, with a few very close friends to whom he was fiercely loyal even in the face of proven incompetence.
He was in his element in front of a large audience, but lacked confidence in an intimate cocktail party setting where social "small talk" was required. He was formal with his staff, and advice to him was tendered in the same manner.
Key is affable. What you see is what you get. His wife, Bronagh, is unpretentious and his family typical. He has a backbone of steel, and we have seen it when he deems strength of resolve to be required. But most of all, he is a genuinely good person who is motivated by doing what he believes is right for New Zealand. Attempts to demonise him notwithstanding, he is Prime Minister because he believes that is the most effective way he can contribute to a better New Zealand.
Most of all, he has done much to restore trust in the political framework - an ambitious aspiration in a climate of considerable cynicism about politicians the world over, some of which is well deserved.
That's why he insists on sticking to his statements about not changing national superannuation, that's why he has opened up the books on parliamentary expenses and that's why people like him.
* Michelle Boag is former president of the National Party and former press secretary and researcher to Sir Robert Muldoon.
