MP Tim Barnett has been named politician of the year by one of New Zealand's most respected political commentators. Colin James in yesterday's NZ Herald noted the achievements of a number of politicians this year, but said that this year belongs to a “deceptively polite backbencher”, who instigated major change with prositution law reform, an issue James described as more complex and painful than homosexual law reform was in the 1980's. "Set aside personal views (as I do mine here): even with the Prime Minister's help, to have piloted such a ferociously contested bill through the eruptive emotions of a Parliament at boiling point bespeaks coalition-building of a high order," said James. "Tim Barnett, the first openly gay MP and a man of style, did that with dignity. He is my politician of the year." Barnett is delighted that James chose to recognise a backbench MP and a conscience issue. "I appreciate such awards since they help to make all the effort of those who helped in the campaign seem worthwhile," he says.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 17th December 2003 - 12:00pm