That is the only way to describe Green MP Sue Bradford's decision to retire. Bradford has been one of the most - if not the most - effective backbenchers in the recent era, having successfully navigated three member's bills - including the highly controversial Child Discipline Act - into law. I cannot think of a single MP since 1987 who has managed that; according to my records (which I will admit are incomplete) only two other - Mark Peck and Nandor Tanczos - have even managed two, and in both cases it was by having one adopted by the government.
Bradford has left a legacy both the children and young workers of New Zealand can be pleased with. But she's given us ten years in the Parliamentary zoo, and that is more than we have any right to ask of her.
