That's how former National Party leader Don Brash (oh, how I enjoy saying that) describes Nicky Hager's book The Hollow Men. But it seems it better describes Brash's excuses - and specifically his claim that he did not read that email from the Brethren. Quite apart from the obvious unbelievability of this claim - Brash is famous for reading and responding to his emails - there's the inconvenient facts that a) it was forwarded to him by Bryan Sinclair; and b) he responded to Sinclair discussing its contents. But I guess he didn't know what he was talking about, right?
So much for "Honest Don". National, and the country, is well rid of him.
Previously, DPF on Kiwiblog:
ReplyDelete"The so called "smoking gun" e-mail which Hager claims was forwarded on to the Steven Joyce by Brash, was in fact never seen by Brash, according to him. Now of course some may say "He would say that wouldn't he" but the burden of proof is on Hager to prove his assertion, and I doubt he can."
Anything to add now, Mr Farrar?
'Honest Don' - as someone once observed about 'Honest John' Howard, it's like when someone's called 'Blue', because they happen to have red hair.
ReplyDeleteWhy wasn't this in the book if it's so damning? Brash has consistently denied remembering receiving the email so this should have been a dead cert to get in the book.
ReplyDeleteThe reason is because hte email to me clearly shows that Brash was not usually involved in this kind of thing and he immediately parked it with the party office. Exactly what someone acting reasonably should do.
Insider
The Herald answers your question:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10413022
Hager's comments are entirely uncredible for the reasons I pointed out - Brash has always said he didn't recall recieving the mail. Why print a book saying that it proves unethical behaviour but that only tells part of the story and deliberately leave out a key point of evidence that shows earlier statments may not have been true? and why decalre another less convincing item 'the smoking gun'?
ReplyDeleteHAger's excuse that he wanted to see how Brash reacted to prove his point is a bit childish "aha that's what we wanted you to think - now our tue cunning plan is revealed". It shows him up as a dick or as being just as manipulative of processes and media for his own ends as he likes to accuse others of.
Insider
Great job, Insider - call Hager a childish dick and before you know it Humpty'll be back together again.
ReplyDeleteYou need to read page 153 of the Hollow Men, Insider.
ReplyDeleteThat section is not about the Brethren, but Brash's relationship with Crosby/Textor, the infamous advisors to National (and other right-wing parties overseas).
Here, Brash learns how to lie. He is told what to do "if caught". A faulty memory is essential, apparently.
If you really believe he "didn't recall", it sounds like Brash was well tutored.
Woppo
ReplyDeleteDon't conflate. I called his excuse childish and one of the impressions scuh behaviuor could leave was of being a dick, in my opinion. I am allowed one aren't I?
Don't you think Hager's excuse is just a wee bit trite? If he is genuine, his behaviour in that and his pre election anonymous leaking shows him to be highly cynical manipulator of the NZ political scene and that should mean his commentary on issues should be taken with a large grain of salt.
Insider
Anon I've been to a couple of bookshops and its not there so can't say I;ve read it. If you read my comments I've not actually commented on whether he has told the truth or not.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, becasue of the way he has behaved since the Bretheren issue was exposed I believe he should have resigned much earlier as he showed a complete lack of judgment.
Insider
Insider - possibly he left these out of the book because he didn't expect to have to prove example one was opened or read? I imagine the book could get very very long.
ReplyDeleteIt's damning _now_ because Brash has said he didn't read and continued(/s) to maintain he didn't know anything.
Now, I'm now more interested in how much this all is showing other people knew - and denied.
And all the other stuff in the book.
"Woppo
ReplyDeleteDon't conflate. I called his excuse childish and one of the impressions scuh behaviuor could leave was of being a dick, in my opinion. I am allowed one aren't I?"
Hey, be my guest. Exercise your authoritarian streak, too, it's not my blog.
Far as I'm concerned, epithets such as 'childish' and 'dick' indicate a degree of desperation. Hager has gone some way to uncovering the truth, whereas all Brash has done is obfuscate. He's now clutching at the forgery straw, f'fork's sake.
The cash has now dried up. All that's left is a rather pathetic yesterday's man squandering what's left of his reputation by digging a deeper hole. If you're bent on saving him you'll need at least Hager's authorial powers. From your postings thus far I'd ever so politely suggest hanging on to your day job.
Seems to me having got to only page 100 of THAT book that the to-do over the Brethren is possibly the least of national party (I will NEVER give them capitals again!) shenanigans. The major point exposed by the emails (thank GOD for whoever hacked / stole those) is the nats' complete disrespect for those (us!) they call "the punters" and "the chattering classes". So many people that I have now decided to loath!including Michael Hooton whose interpretations of what makes "us" tick are perverse. These guys just don't understand, or more likely, don't want, democracy. Chomskyensian 'deterrence' at work here. I only hope and pray that Kiwis are smart enough (and I think they are!) to relegate this entire trash party to the dustbin. As for Key coming down on the side of Maori ..... yeah right .... like the Nazis had the interests of the Jews in mind when they exterminated them! As for you lot who think Nicky Hager has made it all up get your heads out of the sandpit!
ReplyDeleteWoppo
ReplyDeleteEver so politely I'm assuming your inability to accurately report and interpret comments means you will remain on subs desk of one of nZ's minor dailies or in the newsroom of our broadcast media
Anonymous - now I know what it feels like to be scolded by a well-used suppository.
ReplyDeleteNow Brash is gone, let him sue Hager.
I won't be holding my breath.
> or as being just as manipulative of processes and media for his own ends as he likes to accuse others of.
ReplyDeleteProbably option B. Hager writes these books not to make money (ie sell books) but to make himself feel he is doing some good in the world (ie 'exposing' people like Don) EVEN IF it was only in his own mind it would probably make him feel good. So it is entirely logical for him to set a trap for Don.