The newly formed Conservative Party in New Zealand has been on a bit of a roll recently, as it is has become quite a hit with many older Kiwis and those with a Christian religious persuasion. Its leader, Colin Craig, seemed to be quite a youthful, decent and clean cut sort of chap who was prepared to put his money where his mouth is by initially funding his party into being a real contender in the next election.
Alas, Mr Craig has succumbed to one of the oldest political vices... hubris! When a rather obscure satirist posted an obvious parody about The Conservative Party and its leader on a website called "The Civilian", Mr Craig reacted by fuming into one of Auckland's top law firms and got them to write threatening letters to demand a withdrawal of the article and an apology.
What he got of course was the opposite of his intentions, which was probably to defend his reputation and snuff out libelous comment. For all his costly efforts, he apparently did at least get a sort tongue in cheek apology, but the offending article is still there to be viewed (getting thousands of new readers) and Colin Craig has revealed himself to be a rather silly man and incredibly politically naive.
He has at least wised up to his mistake by quickly withdrawing threats of court action. I am sure his doting followers will forgive him and many might still be outraged too, but he will have to be more careful in the future if he wants to one day warm a plush leather seat in Parliament. Kiwi's generally do not admire thin skinned bullies because we know, after years of Muldoon, that is how tin pot tyrants begin their careers.
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