Ambition and ego to blame, says psychologist

John Tamihere is a Winston Peters-style politician who is primarily driven by personal ambition rather than Labour's long-term policy goals, says a political psychologist.

But, says Victoria University's Jon Johansson, Mr Tamihere is more hot-blooded, lacking the experience and patience Mr Peters displays when it comes to getting his way.

Mr Tamihere's "stream of consciousness rant" this week reflects the pressure he and his family have been been under as a result of the Serious Fraud Office inquiry.

But Mr Johansson believes it is also likely "there is some sense of purpose embedded in the irrationality" and that centres on ego.

The proof Mr Tamihere is driven by a "narrow sense of ambition" is that the biggest headlines he generates typically involve him standing out against his political colleagues rather than his opponents.

The fights he has within the Waipareira Trust "family" are further evidence he invests little in being a team player.

If Mr Tamihere were instead primarily driven by the desire to change Labour's policy direction, he would be working quietly behind the scenes, in the way Prime Minister Helen Clark has done over the years.

"He doesn't possess the patience and perseverance of someone who wants to fight the good fight within the structures of the party he is a member of," says Mr Johansson.

"He chooses the easier and more populous way of garnering headlines to get a personal following. You just question the extent of how healthy his ambition is."

Like Mr Peters, his willingness to stand out on a limb "and pay the price for what he believes" is appealing to voters, who are impressed by the "authenticity" it gives his message.

Also like Mr Peters, Mr Tamihere is clever with language and knows how to use buzzwords that push voters' buttons.