Grant Robertson Despite his sexuality being a constant topic of questioning in a Radio Live interview this afternoon Labour leadership candidate Grant Robertson has reiterated that he's not standing as a gay man but as a politician with a jobs, homes and schools agenda. Asked whether he entered politics because of his concern for gay rights, Robertson said he "came in because I believe in fairness, equality and all the core Labour party values." He said that Labour should not be simplistically portrayed as having a liberal social agenda, that it it has a broad-based political agenda. "We can walk and chew gum at the same time," he said. Asked if he could relate to voters "because you don't have a family" by anti-gay host and Labour party hopeful John Tamihere, Robertson riposted "Everyone's got a family!" and described his extended family and referred briefly to his and partner Alf Kaiwai's two children and now grandchildren. "There's a danger of stereotyping in this kind of thing," Robertson noted. "But I can relate to the problems people have in their lives." During another low moment in the 40-minute interview, which included mostly positive input from listeners, Robertson was asked by his hosts "Did Alf leave his missus for you?" Other topics covered in the largely good-natured interview included rugby, employment, government contracting big projects overseas, the minimum wage, Kiwisaver, the Maori seats, John Key's involvement in the Sky City deal, any ongoing influence of Helen Clark.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 30th August 2013 - 1:44pm