Folding at the first challenge: The Maori Party and Section 9

The Maori Party have swung in behind National in the expected accommodation around Section 9. Listening to the explanation offered on Morning Report by Mr Sharples for this caving, the bankruptcy of the Maori Party as an independent voice for Maori became painfully clear. In particular, the rationale that the Maori Party did not stand on a point of principle because National has the votes is laughable. The quicker the party fades into history, the better.