Positive opposition

I agree with Russell J Wards (Letters, Oct 26) that the job of an opposition party is to oppose constructively. A strong opposition party by this description does more than make negative comments.

For example, Shane Reti’s statement on cancer patients read negatively – ‘‘hundreds of cancer patients have had their treatment disrupted by Covid-19’’ – and hedges that ‘‘these patients need to be at the front of the queue’’.

How much more convincing would that statement have been if he had said ‘‘It is in our view the right decision to aim for 90 per cent vaccination to minimise the load on NZ’s health service. We still anticipate a load, however, and I am urging the Government to make a pledge to put cancer patients at the front of the queue ahead of unvaccinated Covid patients?’’

Was Mr Reti suavely avoiding the controversial nature of that advice or did he just lack conviction? Whatever, it does not seem to be a stance that attracts notice or respect in its evasion, which, I suggest, is why National lags so badly in the polls.

Positivity, solutions and honesty is what I personally want in an opposition party. I disagree with Mr Russell that that is too much to ask for.

Keith Burgess, Sumner