Anderton in quandary over Democrat pair

One of Jim Anderton's hardest decisions in the next few days will be whether to put a Democrat MP into the cabinet and, if so, which one.

Democrat leader John Wright and deputy Grant Gillon, both Alliance list MPs, are vying with Laila Harre and Phillida Bunkle for the last of four Alliance cabinet posts.

The Democrats have done their case few favours this week, arguing in caucus for more Alliance resources to go to their electorates.

And within the Alliance they have been accused of running personal re-election campaigns at the expense of promoting the Alliance party vote.

The claim is rejected by Democrat president Peter Kane, who says their higher personal vote merely reflected their local popularity.

The Alliance has three constituent parties: NewLabour, Mana Motuhake and the Democrats, formerly Social Credit.

Mr Anderton says merit is the only criterion on which he will base his decision.

But he has to say that; in reality, he cannot ignore the politics of his choices.

Given the ructions and defections of the past three years, the Alliance can ill afford the resentment that would simmer if one of the parties missed out.

And the stakes are higher now. It is not just the stability of the Alliance at issue but Government stability.

Three of the four cabinet posts are foregone conclusions: Mr Anderton, the Alliance leader (NewLabour), his deputy, Sandra Lee (Mana Motuhake), and Matt Robson (NewLabour).

As well as a fourth cabinet post, the Alliance is likely to get another ministerial position outside the cabinet.

Phillida Bunkle may mount a case to become minister of public health but that choice would antagonise Labour.

Laila Harre has the clearest merits to be rewarded and an associate role in labour relations would give her a part in preserving the Alliance's union ties.

And that would also allow one of the Democrats to be promoted.

Which one? Either way, there will be problems. Mr Wright is the leader and may expect seniority to be recognised.

But it is acknowledged both inside and outside the Alliance that Mr Gillon has performed better as an MP.

There would be little surprise if he successfully challenged Mr Wright for the Democrat leadership before the next election, and that could lead to cabinet complications down the track if Mr Wright is promoted now.

Mr Anderton would have avoided the problem altogether if his party had limited itself to just three cabinet places.

More is not always better.