Merepeka: Bigoted views pose real risk

An image and floral tributes for MP Jo Cox outside the House of Parliament in London after the 41-year-old was killed on Thursday. Photo / AP

A young mother-of-two stabbed, shot and left to die on the pavement.

Around the world, even in New Zealand, this isn't all that uncommon.

We have our share of women being murdered. But Jo Cox was a Labour Party politician. She was murdered in broad daylight in a public place as she went about her constituency work in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

Understandably her political colleagues from both sides of the House are shocked. She was a popular and well-respected politician.

The British Prime Minister David Cameron is urging the British people to drive intolerance and division "out of our public life and out of our communities". Who wouldn't agree with that?

The problem is intolerance has become so ingrained in some sectors of society today that for them intolerance is their reason for being. What else would they have to live for?

We are lucky in New Zealand. Our prime minister and members of Parliament can move freely about the country with little thought that their personal safety might be at risk.

We don't have a heavy security presence, even for the prime minister. I hope that doesn't change. As politicians, whether central or local government, you just don't think that someone who might disagree with your views on certain matters would want to do you harm. Kill you even. P

eople can get pretty riled up and passionate when something they care about is earmarked for change, or replaced altogether.

When policies they don't agree with become law. When inaction on key social issues is viewed as uncaring and indifferent. This comes with the territory.

Politics is not a popularity contest. Yes there are times when you are on the receiving end of abuse, verbal and written. Prime ministers have said they have received death threats.

And a number of cabinet ministers too. Recently Paula Bennett disclosed she has received death threats.

Andrew Judd, mayor of New Plymouth, has certainly had his share of abuse this past year and received death threats as well.

I'm sure the police, when informed, take all threats seriously and look into them.

I believe we will all have to take threats, real or implied, seriously in future.

The killing of Jo Cox reminds us that you can never be too careful.

Apparently the man accused of killing her has a history of mental illness.

But there are thousands of people living well, with mental health problems. They should not suddenly be viewed as potential law breakers or worse.

But there are unhinged people around who, given the opportunity, will take matters into their own hands. And you have to be unhinged to even think about killing someone.

As politicians we know we will sometimes have to make decisions that will not be popular.

I don't believe you can always agree on all matters, and that's as it should be. Different people have different views.

Healthy debate is valuable and should be encouraged.

At some point agreement is reached and you move on. Even when no agreement is reached you can agree to disagree.

As a politician I can't afford to take disagreements personally. What purpose would that serve?

I believe most politicians want to do the best they can for the people they represent.

Both at central or local government level. You are voted in to make decisions that will support the aspirations of your country and your community.

Some want only their voices and opinions to count and be acted on while others want to ensure that all sectors of the community get a chance to be heard.

Getting the balance right is not always easy but that's what you work towards. And I agree with David Cameron - intolerance and division has no place in New Zealand either.

- Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.