Act Leader John Banks yesterday jumped at the chance of payback against David Shearer, demanding the Labour leader stand down over his "secret" United States bank account.

Being a political figure involves being subjected to various degrees of public scrutiny, and nobody knows this better than Shane Jones right now, writes Bryce Edwards.

The State Owned Enterprises are clearly still the battlefield at the moment for parliamentary politics. writes Bryce Edwards.

When it comes to taxpayer handouts, this Government is up there with best, but that kind of generosity will always be facing scrutiny, writes Bryce Edwards.

Today marks a qualitative shift in the highly contentious asset sales programme with the launch of the Mighty River Power shares offer, writes Bryce Edwards.

Epsom voters are likely to be targeted by a combined scare campaign and charm offensive from Act as the party ratchets up its efforts to hold the seat.

Multi-millionaire Alan Gibbs says New Zealanders are "buggering up" their country by having unrealistic expectations of what governments can achieve, especially when it comes to spending money on so-called welfare entitlements.

Act is promising to reverse the "anti-development" and "anti-subdivision" elements of the Resource Management Act as it becomes the latest party to tackle housing affordability.

The Act Party is holding a "rejuvenation" conference today at the Kaukapakapa sculpture farm of wealthy benefactor and founding father Alan Gibbs.

John Banks may not get the sack as a minister but even the Prime Minister isn't going to go out of his way to defend him any more than he has to, writes Bryce Edwards.

The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on whether Kim Dotcom will receive disclosure from the United States government in their case against him.

Alexander Gillespie says we need to know that our politicians and public officials are trustworthy. Corruption 'hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority."

In our second debate on the Electoral Commission's recommendations for MMP, Graeme Edgeler and Muriel Newman put the arguments for and against reducing the threshold. Join the debate and leave your comments at the end.

Kim Dotcom dropped into Parliament, as John Banks was absent from it, and he took a parting shot at the Prime Minister for his continued support for the Act leader.

Claire Trevett says John Key's actions show that there are at least two ostriches in New Zealand: him and Act leader John Banks.

Kim Dotcom said today he was hurt by John Banks denying he knew him after they had a clear friendship, and he believes he should stand down from his ministerial portfolios.

John Armstrong says the Prime Minister's defence of John Banks looks more ridiculous by the day. The risk is that even more damaging material will seep out.