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They've swept aside years of political over-correctness and Brash is prepared to call a spade a spade, regardless of its colour.

The prospect of reducing taxes to pre-Labour Government levels is also something that appeals to the small kernel of Kiwis who put their lives and fortunes on the line to create new jobs and industries.

But I today I noticed the first hint that, for all their strengths, they're likely to miss out on my vote.

So just what has Brash done that would disqualify National from receiving my vote?

Well it's starting to look awfully like he's planning to put Maurice Williamson back in the IT Minister's seat, should National be re-elected to power.

I'm sorry, but plain-speaking and better tax policies are great, but Maurice has proven himself to be perhaps the worst IT Minister this country has ever suffered under -- and I do not want to see the industry lumbered with his ineptitude again.

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I suspect that Williamson's appointment to the position of "IT Spokesman" will do more for ACT's flagging fortunes than anything Prebble or Hide themselves might come up with.

Unless I'm sadly mistaken, there are still plenty of people who remember Williamson's total ineffectiveness in the face of Telecom's monopolistic bullying back in the 1990s.

In the wake of the Commerce Commissions gutless recommendations in respect to the unbundling issue, the last thing we need is a Minister who would leap at the chance to become Theresa's lapdog.

I'm sorry Don, but if you want my vote you're going to have to rethink Maurice's role in your would-be government.

Since I'm very much aware that I may be off-beam with my opinion, I've put up a poll over in the Aardvark Forums.

And, on another government-related point, I see that over $3 million is being spent on creating a website designed to act as an online resource providing information and insight into the Treaty of Waitangi.

This is a good thing - but I'm still wondering how they can spend $3 million on such a thing?

What's more, it's already overshot its launch-date so I presume it's also blown its budget and will cost more than planned.

Let's hope its objective, not overly PC and can serve as a resource that is really worth $3 million. I'll tender my opinion when, like Maori TV, it finally launches (holds breath, turns blue, passes out).

New Forums!
Yes folks, good news. The grotty ezboard forums have been replaced with a new phpBBS-based system that won't assault you with a myriad of pop-ups and other flotsam.

A big thanks to Managed Internet Solutions for offering to provide this service.

You can access the new forums over at aardvarkforums.co.nz

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