Being in opposition is different. In opposition you spend your time in the waiting room. After three terms, nine years, some politicians are still dead keen and continue the wait. Hoping the voters will eventually look favourably on their leader and party. You have got to hand it to them. Hanging in there. Sitting out the years waiting for the landscape to change. What else could these committed individuals have been doing in the meantime. There are politicians who entered and left Parliament without ever being in government. Pretty soul destroying for the poor buggers.
Communication is a big part of a politician's job. Some are good at it. From observation some struggle. As prime minister you have to be positive. Constantly talking about your vision for the country and how great your policies are. Always talking it up. "We're heading in the right direction."
In opposition you have to highlight the down side of Government policies and why you think they won't work. Don't stack up. But people weary of negativity, especially after years of hearing nothing else. Don't tell me what the Government is doing wrong, tell me what you will do differently. The value you can add is what I want to hear.
Key appears a happy man. From the start I liked what I saw. I don't care that he is a self-made, wealthy man. How great is that. You'll have heard the snide remark "well he would be happy wouldn't he with all his money". That's petty.
He was a successful businessman before he became a politician. Perhaps being a happy, open person has something to do with his popularity. Who needs a critical, dull politician? We've had enough of those. Older, worn politicians believing this is how it should be.
Being unfriendly is not a prerequisite for being an effective politician. Nor is despising the opposition. Key didn't need to go there. He appeared comfortable and at ease with himself. And he took every opportunity to engage with the public. I think that was the attraction. So many people I know would all like to sit down and have a beer with him. What does that tell you?
When Key came on the scene we couldn't believe our luck. A good all-round guy who loved his country and just happened to be our prime minister. He has the common touch. Rare in politics. It was obvious from the start and it kept the National Party in government for three terms.
Now that he's moved on, everyone has a view as to how well, or otherwise, he did as prime minister. Let them rate him. Hold up their score cards. He doesn't have to worry. I'm sure there will be some things he would do differently today. Hindsight tells us that. There are those that talk about it and there are those that do. Key did it.
Cheers John, I think you did us proud. May the future be everything you want it to be. Kia Kaha.
Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.
