KEY POINTS:
National's Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman no doubt received some hearty back-slaps from colleagues after question time on Wednesday.
The relatively new MP had forced an error from Labour's Number 3, the suave and composed Education and Broadcasting Minister, Steve Maharey.
"F ... you," Maharey said to a Coleman interjection at the end of a question on whether Maharey had overstepped his role as Broadcasting Minister by threatening to take a complaint about a programme to the Radio New Zealand Board.
It was ample evidence that National had exposed a minister under pressure.
It was also a gift to National which will make political mileage of it for months and possibly years to come. TVNZ has replayed it at least five times already.
No one among National's newest intake knows better than Coleman how something like that can stick.
"Cigar man" is what Coleman has been repeatedly called since last year when he got into an altercation over a cigar he was smoking as a guest of British American Tobacco's corporate box the U2 concert.
As a qualified doctor and associate health spokesman, he immediately swore off smoking again and accepting hospitality from a tobacco company.
Labour MPs use every opportunity they can to revive the cigar incident. The tone in their voice reflects a special dislike for Coleman and that was evident before the cigar incident.
He has never shown first-term nerves or deference to his more experienced betters across the House. He has streak of ruthlessness about him than none of his 2005 cohort has.
John Key promoted him in his first reshuffle, giving him broadcasting as well as associate health - a portfolio that will allow him to build a higher profile in the next 18 months.
If National leads the next government, Dr Coleman will almost certainly win a place in the Cabinet. He was one of 21 new MPs in 2005 that gave National an instant sense of rejuvenation and potential. In reality, there are few among them doing that.
Former World Trade Organisation ambassador Tim Groser and top barrister Chris Finlayson are ranked highest. Neither needs to make his mark as colleagues do to be assured of becoming Trade Minister and Attorney-General respectively under a National Government. They were recruited on that basis.
Among the others, Paula Bennett, a West Auckland based list MP, is shining. She has helped expose the pitfalls in Labour's promise of 20 hours of free childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds.
Kate Wilkinson, a Christchurch-based list MP and former lawyer, is a solid hand who was given a big promotion by Key, labour and industrial relations. Both women could expect a ministerial post.
The rest of the tail of 2005 is having mixed success.
Former Wellington mayor Mark Blumsky sealed his own fate when he shared his frustration with a local reporter that he was making any difference as a backbench MP. If he wasn't before, he certainly won't in the future. Key is not one to reward ill-discipline.
Former Maori Affairs Minister Tau Henare could probably expect a ministerial post if he keeps what he calls the "mongrel" on a tight leash.
Former Taranaki police officer and Whanganui MP Chester Borrows has made a name on the smacking bill but has yet to step up to the task of police spokesman.
Rating National's Front Bench
John Key - Leader, 9
Almost flawless start to his leadership. Has brought a level of energy and discipline to National's ranks not seen for a long time. Has defied the sceptics by making leadership look easy.
Bill English - Deputy / Finance, 9
Outstanding performance as deputy leaves Labour's attempts to expose a wedge between him and Key looking lame. The party's best attack MP by a mile and can cut through a minister's excuses like a laser. But deputy rolehas kept him from targeting Cullen much.
Gerry Brownlee - Shadow Leader of the House / Energy / SOEs, 8
No outward sign of sulking over losing the deputy leadership. Remains a central player in the leadership team. Heads the strategy committee, and is a forceful combatant in the House. But is doing little with his Energy and SOE portfolios. As they say - use it or lose it.
Simon Power - Corrections / Justice, 8
After years of not measuring up to the "future leader" label he acquired early in his career, is finally showing some substance. Exposure of Corrections failings may not be down to him, but coupling them to the Government's failings is.
Tony Ryall - Health, 8
Has had just about every major portfolio and done a lot with each. Has earned his reputation as one of the most effective MPs in the party. Health is no longer Labour's strong suit.
Nick Smith - Environment / Climate change, 7
One-dimensional politician - the climate change politician. But has exposed Helen Clark's aspirational goal of carbon neutrality as the cotton wool policy that it is. Labour mercilessly exploits his short fuse in Parliament, which may be his downfall.
Katherine Rich - Education, 5
Only just beginning to show why she deserves Education, one of the deadliest weapons an Opposition MP can have. Should have an advantage in being matched against Steve Maharey, not the public darling he is within Labour.
Maurice Williamson - Transport, 5
Hasn't yet earned his re-elevation to the front bench under Key. But then, when Labour has made Auckland roading and transport such a priority, he doesn't have much to oppose. Could be given one of the grunty portfolios that Brownlee is neglecting.
Judith Collins - Welfare, 4
Should be making greater dents against David Benson-Pope in Welfare. Needs more than a starring role in Lianne Dalziel's 2004 downfall and Benson-Pope's tennis ball attack in 2005 to justify a place on the front bench in 2007.
- HERALD POLITICAL STAFF
