Labour, the Greens, NZ First and United Future [originally this post mistakenly implied the Maori Party wanted the Bill to proceed] got no comfort from today’s submissions on the iniquitous Electoral Finance Bill. 

John Boscawen vowed to pursue and fund a campaign right through to the election. He is willing to go to jail, but as he intends to be absolutely above board he is comforted by the fact that he should face only a fine of $30,000, because he will not be deemed ‘corrupt’.

Law Society President John Marshall’s approach was almost as forthright at least by the dignified standards of the Law Society. John’s gentle manner should not be mistaken for lack of opinions or courage. He is the son of Sir John Marshall, member for Wellington, whose maiden speech was a dedication to defining and upholding classical liberal freedom. I quoted Sir John in my maiden speech. 

That bluntness in the Law Society’s submissions is extraordinary for the Society.