I’m supposed to be heading to the Grand Hall at Parliament for the launch of Ryan Malone’s book at 5-30 pm. Sadly I can’t go, because the Sergeant-at-Arms banned me from entering Parliament for 24 hours from 3 pm today.

With Catharine (my wife), John Boscawen, and a group of young people we put packing tape over our mouths to listen to H Clark’s session-opening speech from the visitors’ Gallery at Parliament this afternoon. We thought we’d help her to feel that things were heading in the right direction.

After all the Electoral Finance Act is designed to ensure the rude and ungrateful people  listen to their political masters without interrrupting. We were entirely silent (obviously) and respectful. Yet we were removed. I have to contrast that with the treatment I’ve seen of  haka and waiata. We did not wave our arms or shout threats.

Nevertheless we were firmly escorted out of the gallery, interviewed and told we could not return for 24 hours.

I felt sorry for my friends among the Parliamentary staff. They retain dignity despite what must be overwhelming incitements to repay Parliamentary behaviour in kind. Though we did not abuse any privileges, causing them awkwardness in having to deal with me was my only (tiny) regret.

H Clark will come to rue the day she forced through a law that criminalises attempts to engage in election debate from 1 January. The police are supposed to hunt down  any ordinary New Zealander who dares to publish encouragement to another citizen to vote for a party without the written consent of that party .

If we can ensure the true scope of the law is widely understood she’ll have more to worry about than some gagged citizens watching her in Parliament. The voters should send a far more resounding message.