Q&A: Richard Prebble

Richard Prebble

Since you announced your retirement from politics you seem to have been on television a lot more. Why is that?

The first answer is because they ask me. The second one is they are kind enough to say that with my experience in politics my remarks provide insights. And despite how serious I try to be, they say I'm very funny.

Are you missing Parliament yet?

No. My nature is not to look backward and I am already doing a number of different things.

What are your plans for the future?

I'm not going to return to law. I took out a barrister's licence last time I retired and didn't have time to take any court cases because I found myself involved in a number of interesting ventures. And I have had people who are already talking to me about ventures that I think are even more exciting. The projects I have been looking at range from engineering projects through to people who have innovative ideas in education. I am always pleased and surprised that these people believe I can assist them.

You have written another book. What is it called and what is it about?

It has a draft title of Out of the Red. The publishers have accepted it and want to publish it, but we are still discussing a date - it will probably be next year. I have written a number of books and this one would be closest in style to I've Been Thinking. There have been at least a dozen books written about why the state-owned enterprises were such a stunning business success, so I thought it was about time the architect gave a few of his thoughts.

What are your tips for new MPs?

Hopefully a member of Parliament has gone there with a mission statement, with at least ideas of how he or she wants to improve the country and they should then fearlessly advocate them. The advice that is normally given to first-term MPs is to breathe through your nose. They should remember that [Prime Minister Keith] Holyoake, who gave that advice, didn't do that in his first three years. Nor did Winston Peters, nor did Richard Prebble. My advice is, go for it.

What do you think is the future for the Act Party?

Act has been given another life by the voters of Epsom. Rodney can either become a Jim Anderton - an MP with an electorate and no party - or he can relaunch the Act Party to do bigger and better things.

This week you said John Key will be the next National leader. Why do you say that?

He had a very good election and he has had an impressive first three years. In his campaign he beat Michael Cullen in a debate - no mean feat. And National's, or at least Key's, tax package nearly won the election for them. He is the logical next leader.

What about Labour? Who will be their next leader?

Michael Cullen is in his 60s and he didn't have a good campaign. The fact that I can't answer that shows Labour has some long-term succession problems. The most exciting next generation politically was John Tamihere, who they've managed to lose.

This week you said Don Brash should stand down as National leader before he is pushed. Was that a bit harsh?

No, I think I'm a real friend. The people who are telling him to stay on are only saying it because they haven't got the numbers yet to pose a credible challenger. I'm full of admiration for Don Brash. I'm retiring at age 57 and here he is at 65 running an energetic election campaign. But the idea that he can do it when he is 68 simply isn't credible.

I'm sure I'm not pushing Don Brash. I'm sure that he has himself decided to go when the specials [special votes] are announced. He knows that he gave his best last election and he didn't make it. Don, when he is in Parliament is not the greatest performer and at age 65 he is not going to improve.