Lowdown on politicians, at $800 a pop

A costly black-bound book containing pungent descriptions of senior politicians drawn up by a PR firm has surfaced in Wellington.

The $800-a-copy book, written by political consultants and lobbyists Saunders Unsworth, is sold to the company's clients. The firm prefers to keep the book, Guide to MPs, off limits to MPs and journalists.

Last night 3 News broadcast extracts from the MPs' biographies the book contains.

Mark Unsworth, who edits the 300-page book, told the Herald the intention was to provide clients with honest and useful information, but said the biographies also included positive information.

"It's not not for the general public, but it's not for politicians and the press gallery. We don't want it used by one political party against another."

Mr Unsworth, who has been closely involved in politics for more than two decades, said experienced MPs were used to criticism and took it well, but new ones sometimes found it harder.

He did not think the leaking of some comments in the books would damage his business.

Extracts from the guide to MPs

Helen Clark: "Intelligent rather than brilliant." "Poor people skills and a control freak."

Health Minister Pete Hodgson: "Colleagues wonder if he is as good as he appears."

Education Minister Steve Maharey: "Handsome, but not as smart as he thinks he is."

Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope: "Regarded as a pompous prat by some colleagues."

Justice Minister Mark Burton: "Enjoys folk music. Not dynamic."

Immigration Minister David Cunliffe: "Attempts to be different by bleaching his hair. Will never top the popularity charts."

Minister outside Cabinet Judith Tizard: "Not the hardest worker. Occasionally a bully."

Speaker Margaret Wilson: "Has a grim unsmiley manner. Can be cold and distant."

Labour MP Shane Jones: "Has a rampant ego."

National leader Don Brash: "A true gentleman. Not good on policy detail."

Deputy leader Gerry Brownlee: "Built like an opera singer. Looks less likely to get the top job."

Finance spokesman John Key: "Knows the importance of timing."

National MP Chris Finlayson: "Gay, detached and not a man of the people."

National strategist Murray McCully: "Not trusted."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters: "In a relationship now. Has possibly lost some of his edge."

Act leader Rodney Hide: "Intensely disliked by many MPs from all sides."

Maori MP Hone Harawira: "Has a favourite response to strident critics. 'Shut the f... up'."