Former Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson planned to roll the city's current MP Simon Bridges.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and former MP Bob Clarkson.
He wanted to replace Simon as the National Party's candidate in Tauranga.
The outspoken 71 year old announced in 2008 that he would not seek another term as MP – this was despite only holding the position for three years.
His sudden resignation followed a raft of controversial comments, including his remark that Muslims wearing burqas in public should 'go back to Islam or Iraq”.
But Bob's recent plan for a political comeback was short lived because he missed the nomination deadline.
'Knowing the feeling of Tauranga I think I could have won the seat, but whether National would let me take Simon's place might be another matter.”
He wants to oust Simon because he believes the 34 year old is not listening to Tauranga residents' concerns regarding the government's new Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill, which replaces Labour's 2004 foreshore and seabed legislation.
'Simon Bridges is not doing what I consider the electorate wants, which is for him to vote against this new Bill,” says Bob.
'He's towing the party line. When I was in Parliament I was too truthful.”
If Bob managed to get his nomination in on time, he would have needed over 50 per cent of support from Tauranga's local National Party members to replace Simon.
Simon says Bob Clarkson wants him to be the Hone Harawira of National Party politics.
'On the one hand he thought about becoming the National Party candidate again, but on the other hand his reason for doing that was to defeat a significant plank of National party policy – those two things will never go together,” says Simon.
'Bob's Bob. When he sits down and thinks about things even he would acknowledge that he got out of politics for some very good reasons.
'He doesn't like dealing with complicated issues like the foreshore and seabed.”
Simon is re-elected unopposed as the party's Tauranga candidate and says he is comfortable with his support in the electorate and in the National Party.
14 comments
Say no more!!
Posted on 27-03-2011 14:08 | By monty111
Doesn't the fact that he missed the nomination deadline tell you something about the competence of the man! This city needs an MP with common sense and intelligence together with a political brain. Things that Bob totally lacks unfortunately.
Dear Bob
Posted on 27-03-2011 14:26 | By Socantor
Back off, Bob. We've already got the fellow we want and need.
Good on ya BOB
Posted on 27-03-2011 18:48 | By Lostzone
I went to Simon just after he was elected and offered him "PROOF", names places and times of 'The Elderly' that were not getting the service their providers were paid for. This included a care giver (employee) that was getting paid for attending as many as 12 clients a day. Under the 'rules' that is not possible to achieve. Another case was of "The Provider" continually sending time sheets for completion of work, to the employee of a client that had passed away about 8 weeks prior. Their is written proof within the system of these claims. After nearly an hour with Simon he said."put it writing and I pass it onto Tony Ryall". I explained in detail to Simon that I was sick of putting things in writing. So I did nothing more. Of course there is more to this "that can be substantiated". "NOW" Guess what? the Natz are making a big noise about care for the elderly and the cost. They will not again get my vote will Simon is there. I will vote for Winstone at least he is consistent and has a great sense of humour. Unless of course you stand ~ if so I will give a minimum of 15 hrs a week to your campaign. N Barker
Posted on 27-03-2011 20:23 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
Fantastic! The National Socialist party are to swap one un-principled, immoral politician for another (and then back again) - I can't wait.
I think I'm going to throw up...
Posted on 27-03-2011 23:22 | By SpeakUp
What a load of BS! Both are corrupted by their party line, both have misrepresented the people's will and voted against the biggest majorities ever, Clarkson in regard to the anti-smacking bill and Bridges in regard to the FS & SB. Both don't give a hoot about democratic will. Democracy in NZ? Yeah, right!
Put up or shut up
Posted on 28-03-2011 07:41 | By al pillocksworth
There's nothing to stop Bob running for parliament as an independent or for another party, if he hates the Coastal Bill so much and thinks the Nats have made the wrong decision. What's the bet he won't? My opinion is that Simon would beat Bob convincingly and Bob wouldn't like that. Far easier to fire shots from the sideline than enter the battle.
Posted on 28-03-2011 08:22 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
Sorry Lostzone - it appears you are barking up the wrong MINORITY TREE to get any attention. Simon is the minister of cats and dogs and photo opportunities. I think you are making a mistake voting for Winston too - you are simply giving your approval to one thieving, immorral, un-principled bureaucrat to TAKE YOUR MONEY and property rights over another. When will people wake up and realise what they are doing? I never give ANYBODY my approval to "poke me in the eye with a stick" This simply makes you part of the problem instead of part of the solution.
Dung and chewed nuts
Posted on 28-03-2011 21:30 | By Insider
Clarkson has a point about the new F&S Bill but having regard to this chaps history you would have to ask whats in it for him .Perhaps it threatens his Tauriko land development near the Wairoa River ? Bridges on the other hand refuses to break ranks with National poobahs on the F&S BILL even though his local branch told him not to support it.Public can make its own mind up about these political creatures frankly I wouldn't want a bar of either of them.
Coming to a place near you
Posted on 29-03-2011 08:37 | By Scambuster
Did you hear the whisper that Mount and Papamoa beaches might just be some of the first on the Maori iwi hit list under the new F & B Act. Now wouldn't that be something everyone in the Bay would just embrace and be over the moon about.Its LOL/OMG territory.
lol
Posted on 29-03-2011 08:52 | By Capt_Kaveman
replace one idiot with another and no one will stop me from accessing the mt / pap beach
PARTY LINES
Posted on 30-03-2011 02:23 | By The Master
Teh benefit of the party is clear, Simon qickly figured that out becuase he is a bright young lad. It is one blessing that the nomination date has passed so at least Simon will be back in. Regardless Clarkson needs to stand as an independant, lets see him do that and get it. Just throw a few million at it ....
Posted on 30-03-2011 14:41 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
@ Capt_Kaveman: This is what you get when you deal with unprincipled people and when you make a pact with the devil - They GIVE YOU something with one hand while they TAKE SOMETHING from you with the other when they should not have the right to do EITHER. Why do they have the opportunity to do it? Because people who want a share of other peoples money and property keep giving them their permission to do it.
@ Brilleaux
Posted on 31-03-2011 22:06 | By TERMITE
Yes indeed, perhaps the way to put it here is that the man has the ability to keep you occupied with his right hand yet meanwhile the 'two' left hands empty the pockets, then on to the next deal to be 'DONE".
I chose neither
Posted on 01-04-2011 12:43 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
I look at it this way: When asked to chose between the best of 2 evils, I always chose NEITHER! WHY? The best of 2 evils is still EVIL, and by chosing one, you are giving them your permission to carry out that evil, which encourages them to continue doing the same, as they think this is what you WANT! Getting a poke in the eye hurts just the same no matter WHO does it to you!
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