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Tim Dower: The grown-ups have stepped in and are taking charge

Author
Tim Dower,
Publish Date
Wed, 15 Jul 2020, 11:12AM
Photo / NZ Herald

Tim Dower: The grown-ups have stepped in and are taking charge

Author
Tim Dower,
Publish Date
Wed, 15 Jul 2020, 11:12AM

Todd Muller never looked comfortable as National Party leader.

And what we've learned in less than 24 hours is that Muller himself was most definitely not happy doing it.

His statement yesterday acknowledged he was not the right person for the job.

And we now know it's taken a toll on his health, and that of his family.

No job is worth that and I'm sure as fellow human beings, we simply wish him and those close to him well.

Now, I'll bet there's been some cussing in the National Party caucus, after the divisive business of a leadership spill, followed by the sudden departure of the man who caused it.

But the show must go on.

Picking Judith Collins and Gerry Brownlee as the new leadership team is the right choice...the only choice.

As my esteemed producer Laura put it, the grown-ups have stepped in, the silliness is over and done with, the adults are taking charge.

Gerry's great, rock solid...smart...warm...likeable...experienced.

And Judith Collins is ready for the job.

Ten years ago she was too abrasive, too blunt, rude even.

But she's softened somewhat, she's calmer, she even makes jokes at her own expense.

Between the two of them, they'll steady the ship chart a new course and give the government a serious run for its money in the election.

I suspect Labour and the Prime Minister in particular will be deeply unsettled.

Act is going to lose out...New Zealand First could be on a really sticky wicket.

The debates will be exceptional, Jacinda will be tested and even roughed up a bit.

Muller wasn't up to the task but Collins will ace it.

And with her and Gerry on the billboards going into September, you know what you're getting, and I believe National is back in the race with a serious chance.

At the very least, it's now a contest.

Game on.

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