Over the weekend, United Future leader Peter Dunne began the push for a republic, arguing that the public is clearly ready for the debate, and we should be allowed to have it through a two-stage referendum process. He also attacked the common delaying tactic of "passive denial", saying
I am tired of politicians who say it is probably inevitable we will become a republic at some stage, but who are unwilling to do anything to bring it about – that is extremely weak.Prime Minister John Key immediately scotched the proposal. How? By attempting passive denial:
As I have always said in the past one day it's likely New Zealand will become a republic but, I don't think anything is going to happen under my watch.Unfortunately, the denial is no longer passive when there's an actual concrete proposal which you then reject. Instead, it becomes active opposition. And trying to hide this with mealy-mouthed sentiments about inevitability is indeed "extremely weak". Key should have the courage of his convictions and tell us what he really thinks, rather than trying once again to bullshit us and please everyone.
Meanwhile, to those of us who want a republic, the message is clear: if we want one, we're going to have to vote for it. And that means ditching Key.
