Controversial conservative columnist Dr Frank Shizenhausen writes in defence of the ACT leader

People have been attributing all sorts of mischievous motives to the decision by a group of ACT and National-linked people to organise opposition to MMP.

The fact that some of the people behind the campaign have close ties to ACT leader Dr Don Brash is entirely coincidental. That’s why Brash has denied knowing who is behind the campaign.

In case you are wondering whether Brash should be taken at his word, bear in mind that one of the people identified as being involved, Simon Lusk, was also instrumental in 2005 in introducing the Exclusive Brethren to National. Dr Brash also denied any knowledge of the Exclusive Brethren’s campaign for National in 2005.

This just proves that Brash is a serial truth-teller, who doesn’t know what his supporters are up to. Why would such a man lie to us? What would he have to gain? The fact that many of the rich-listers who bankrolled Brash’s National in 2005 (e.g. Shirtcliffe and Deane) remain implacably opposed to MMP means nothing. I’m sure they gave all that money to National out of a desire to help the community, and not because they wanted a political environment that allowed people with big money to do as they please, free from the need to consult with and listen to others, and free from regulation and taxes.

And even if a shadowy group devoted to getting rid of MMP does exist, why would that be a bad thing? Consensus politics have been a disaster for this country, preventing us from enjoying the fruits of the revolution that began in 1984. With so many political parties in the mix and capable of influencing the course of government, the task of lobbying parties has become increasingly burdensome and expensive. Under First Past the Post a large cheque to the National Party would have once ensured a favourable outcome for the philanthropists who seek to influence the course of events for the good of humanity, but now they must donate to multiple parties to cover all potential combinations. Consider the plight of the weary lobbyist.

So let’s get rid of MMP and replace it with a system that rewards success and freedom. Electoral reform is long overdue, and the sooner we get back to the notion of one dollar one vote the better.