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Surely, Grant Robertson has to quit.
\\nAlthough David Parker resigning from Revenue had a touch of the tantrum about it, it had also an element of principle as well.
\\nIf you believe in something substantive like wealth tax, and the rug is pulled out from under you, you can do one of two things. One, be like Grant Robertson, ex express disappointment but say you are a team player, grit your teeth, and carry on.
\\nOr two, do a David Parker and walk.
\\nArguing disappointment over something that didn\'t happen is easier than what Grant Robertson may now have to do. That is sell you on the idea that GST coming off fruit and veggies is a good idea, when we all know he doesn\'t believe that.
\\nYou literally can\'t be on record time and time again dismissing an idea, for what ironically are perfectly sensible reasons, and then as Finance Minister pretend that everything you said doesn\'t matter.
\\nHe is in, as David Parker would say, an untenable position.
\\nThat\'s before you get to the naked and blatant pork barrelling of the idea. Two and half months out from the vote we get a move so desperate, it\'ll be a miracle if Chris Hipkins can announce it with a straight face and without blushing. \\xa0
\\nThere is also the fact that the idea has leaked, ending yet another shocking week for them, given the other leak from caucus and the Kiri Allan debacle which still isn\'t resolved to anyone\'s satisfaction. Especially given the story of the details of the night continue to haunt them afresh seemingly every day.
\\nUndermining their "there is nothing to see here" reaction is the fact National rumbled them on the wealth tax as well. There were denials all over town until that fateful announcement from Lithuania.
\\nSo, we can assume, it is a policy, it is set to be announced, and they have once again been busted.
\\nIt also gives weight to the argument that it\'s been teased and teased but not actually been revealed, why? We now know, it\'s the drama behind the scenes on it. There will be plenty of acrimony, anger, and carnage. \\xa0
\\nAs to the idea itself, give me a break. How do you know you are saving GST? What\'s a lettuce cost? 99 cents? $1.99? $2.99? $5 .99? $7.99? Is it the transport, the rain that\'s making it cost more? It\'s so variable you will never know.
\\nThe insult for Labour is the wealthy get the most benefit, explain that away.
\\nAnd is it just tomatoes? Or is tomato sauce included? Is it just potatoes? Or do potato chips count?
\\nJust fresh? What about frozen? Deep fried? Reconstituted? Imported? Just local?
\\nThey are insulting our intelligence. \\xa0
\\nGrant Robertson is better than this, that\'s why he needs to get the hell out.\\xa0
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