There is always an element of double jeopardy when people place themselves on a pedestal. A fall from grace entails not only condemnation for a particular transgression but a plunge in credibility. So it is with Local Government Minister Rodney Hide, who took his girlfriend on an overseas trip, leavingthe taxpayer with a $25,163 bill for her flights. If a minister in the previous government had been guilty of a similar escapade, it is easy to imagine what the Act Party leader would have made of it.
Mr Hide would have reserved special scorn for the manner in which a directive from the Prime Minister had been got around. In June, John Key told ministers to show restraint in tough economic times by leaving partners at home or paying for their travel themselves.
Mr Hide sidestepped that by keeping his girlfriend's business-class flights off his ministerial tab, instead claiming them as part of his MP's perk of 90 per cent subsidised international travel for partners. In the past, he would have lambasted MPs going to such lengths to cash in on their position.
Mr Key's edict was too strict. Often, Prime Ministers should take their partners on overseas trips at taxpayer expense. Hosts expect it. Sometimes, when there are formal occasions, the same will be true of ministers. But Mr Hide's 10-day trip, which involved Super City fact-finding in Britain, Canada and the United States, was not one of these. Nor will his explanation that it was "very, very hard" for a minister to maintain a relationship attract much sympathy.
A perk-buster cannot be seen going out of his way to obtain perks. A yawning credibility gap opens. That aspect of Mr Hide's political make-up has been scarred beyond repair.
