Red roses, kisses for Birch's last hurrah

By Eugene Bingham

Drama has never been Bill Birch's strong suit. But as the Treasurer left Parliament's debating chamber yesterday after delivering his Budget speech, he was for all the world a thespian exiting his favourite theatre.

His final performance complete, adoring fans took to their feet, and Prime Minister Jenny Shipley rushed to kiss him on the cheek.

The persona of modesty projected over 27 years in politics disappeared momentarily as Mr Birch thrust a bunch of congratulatory roses aloft in triumph and strode from his stage. They were the most colourful moments of a pretty drab 55 minutes.

Mr Birch, the consummate quiet achiever, had plugged away, his black suit a costume shared by all his National Party colleagues. Those dark eyes lurking behind metal-rimmed glasses flashed with excitement at phrases such as "sound economic policies," "long-term fiscal objectives" and "prudent approach," but his voice barely flickered.

Mr Birch has always been the tortoise in a race full of hares and he was not about to betray his reputation at this late juncture. His delivery seemed to subdue the Opposition benches. Even when he missed a paragraph and had to backtrack for a moment, the taunts were few.

Three spaces to his right, Mr Birch's understudy studiously read from the script. Bill English, set to take over as Treasurer in July, rarely took his eyes from the script that had been carefully constructed in many late-night stints.

Mr English joined fellow young Turks Nick Smith and Roger Sowry in nodding respectfully like apprentices in the shadow of a sage.

While Mr Birch was very definitely at the helm in the House, it was Mr English who sold the Budget afterwards to the cameras. Jacket cast aside, he rolled up his sleeves in the enthusiasm-plus approach his party will take to the electorate to buy three more years in Government.

His job complete, Mr Birch joined his wife, Rosa, and three of his grandchildren, who had watched from the public gallery.