It's been a big week with the elections and the impressive pace at which the newbies are whipping a government into shape.

A far cry from the pendantic, time wasting nonsense that went into organising some previous coalition stitch-ups.
Our congratulations go to those successful, our commiserations to those who weren't, and to those who still bitch and moan about their treatment in the media, which in my view has been fair-handed – you probably got what you deserved.
It is sad to see Winston Peters missing from the line up, both from a performance point of view and also entertainment. He is a colourful and provocative figure and regardless of any political stance, it cannot be said that he doesn't get attention.
Winston's high-profile action nationally has really helped put the Bay on the map and I can't see politics being quite as colourful without him, or Bob Clarkson, on the scene.

First up
Meanwhile, the first job for John Key is not in Peru to sort the financial problems of the world; nor is it getting a puppy for the children.
He doesn't know it yet, but as incoming Tourism Minister, the most urgent job is to stop the export of New Zealand's Police 10/7 television programme to Europe.
Why would any sane country, with such a dependence on tourism, allow the screening of its criminal record to its prospective visitors? All the millions of dollars spent encourage tourists here are completely wasted when some d.head (term borrowed from SCL, see letters page) decides it's a good idea to show Scotland our fine collection of murderers, rapists, child molesters, armed robbers, and drunken dumb-ass youths. Clever.

Rogers Rabbits wishes to pay tribute to outgoing PM Helen Clark's years at the top.
We might not have agreed with everything (was there anything?) but she is undoubtedly an impressive politician.
Here we have a tribute in song, and no, it's not 'Lady in Red.”
To the tune of 'Living Next Door to Alice”
with apologies to Smokie

Sainsbury called it when he got the word
Now here's some news we've just heard…
About Helen.
Well I rushed to the tv screen set 16:9 wide
I could hardly believe my eyes
As the speeding limousine rolled to stop...
Out in Helen's drive.

I DO know why she's leaving,
but not WHERE she's gonna go
National is the reason
because they really stole the show
'Cause for nine long years,
we've been told what to do… by Helen.
Nine long years of waiting for a chance
to vote her into history
and have Rodney who can dance
Now we can get used to not
doing what we're told… by Helen.

Debated together, two MPs in the 'hive
Sniped and accused each other
on Campbell Live … John and Helen.
Now she walks from the front benches
with her head held high
Some couldn't wait to wish her goodbye
And the speedy limousine pulled slowly,
out of Helen's drive.

We all know why she's leaving,
'cause voters had their pick
Key, Hide and Dunne ensured
her and Cullen got the flick
'Cause for Nine Long Years
we've been told what to do… by Helen.

Nine Long years and she's had her final hour
Switch on any sort of lightbulb
linger in the high-flow shower
Kiwis can finally live a life without iron rule…
by Helen.

Now the Labour regime
and the Emissions Trading Scheme
Are gonna get their beans,
along with the Greens… and Helen

New Zealanders just didn't like
the Labour Gov's direction
That's why they got their rears kicked
in the general election .. along with Helen

We all know why she's leaving
but not where she's gonna go
Maybe she'll get a posting
with Owen Glenn in Monaco
But one thing's for sure,
some are pleased to see the end… of Helen.

Nine Long Years just waiting for a vote
To dump the frump from power
and Cullen, the old goat
Now we can get used to not being told what to do… by Helen.