Editorial: Holiday is not a good look

David Cunliffe

Politics is a serious business - given we're trusting these people to run the country, it certainly should be - but what was already looking to be an interesting election is getting even more spectacular as the Labour Party threatens to implode.

On Sunday, the same day a 3 News Reid Research poll was released showing Labour down to 26.7 per cent and its leader David Cunliffe relatively steady at 9.5 per cent in the preferred Prime Minister stakes, an unnamed Labour MP condemned Cunliffe for taking a three-day skiing holiday in Queenstown.

It's not just one poll. Herald-Digipoll results from the weekend had Labour at 26.5 per cent, the party's lowest polling this century.

Meanwhile, National are polling in the region of 50 per cent.

With only two months to the general election, it does seem like a strange time for a Labour leader to swan off skiing in the South Island's rich man's paradise, especially given the true mountain the party now has to climb.

To be fair, Cunliffe's holiday makes sense - it's going to be an intense two-month campaign that will require tireless work and keen focus. What better time to "recharge the batteries"?

The problem is, as it often is, perception. Yes, the holiday makes sense, but it's not the best look - especially given the sorry poll results.

The fact this anonymous MP has spoken out is of more consequence than a ski trip. As is Cunliffe's need to defend himself in the national media.

It shows a party in disarray at a time it needs to project an image of strength and unity.

It shows a party bickering about matters of little importance when it should be speaking about matters of policy, telling the electorate what it will do for us in government.

Unless the leader can pull his party together in quick time, this election will be far from a fair fight.