The differences between the right- and left-leaning parties who aspire to govern in most free-world countries has never been more stark.
Almost every election in every country during the last decade has been decided by people in swing states who are influenced by what is happening to the economy.
With only a few exceptions, a government is elected by a handful of votes in those states where the winning candidate impresses more on his or her ability to manage the economy.
In New Zealand, we call them bell weather electorates.
Remember former US President Bill Clinton’s famous line, “It’s the economy stupid”? This has proven to be the No 1 issue facing voters - the only exceptions being concerns about the handling of a crisis which has affected the worldwide population such as the pandemic.
Labour's landslide victory in 2020 was more about the perception that while in government it had kept us safe than anything to do with economic management.
And it was only after the dust had settled that we found out about Labour's unnecessary “borrow-and-spend” policies.
It takes a lot of courage to take over a country awash in debt and have to make the hard decisions that must be made to bring the accounts back into balance.
Those responsible actions are not popular and may even bring about one's downfall but they unfortunately are the policies required.
So, it is no surprise that the party the country turns to to do the heavy lifting after a period of irresponsible governance is the right of centre one who are dominated by individuals with business experience.
It is the same throughout the Western World where administrations have been voted out and replaced by people who understand that you must earn support by delivering on the promises you have made.
Countries such as New Zealand, Italy and, with a bit of luck, the US and Australia will soon be governed again by right-of-centre parties that do what they say they will do.
You can’t ask for more than that
Clive Bibby
Tolaga Bay
