pn573. John Armstrong struggles to make Jacinda look like a witch. (Updated P.P.S.by Bryce Edwards)

Semi-retired conservative columnist John Armstrong —usually noted for more robust argument—  strains at his breeches trying to turn Jacinda from a tooth fairy into a witch.  (See update P.P.S., below).

In her talks with the Greens, he says,  she is not magnanimous or motivated by familial loyalty but by "one thing and one thing only - Labour's self-interest, pure and simple." 

His evidence?  She "did not lift a finger ... to help her Government's support partner retain a presence in Parliament by withdrawing the Labour candidate in Auckland Central" (and) by ignored James Shaw's pleas that she do some "messaging" ... to urge Labour supporters to cast their party vote for the Greens."

Why? The wicked witch wanted to keep the Greens "firmly under her thumb" while falsely giving "the impression she is sharing power". Why?  Because "opinion polls show we don't like one-party governments." 

The witch will tell the Greens "in the nicest possible way that they can take it or leave it." James Shaw may be offered his pre-election job as Minister for Climate Change  because  "it would be a means of keeping the Greens inside the tent, rather than them being trouble outside." Nothing more for the Greens. She needs to fill Cabinet seats with her own.