Congratulations to former ACT MP Stephen Franks on being selected as the National candidate for Wellington Central. It is great to finally have an opponent, as it has felt a bit like a phoney campaign at times over the last few months.

While I disagree with much of what I have heard and seen Stephen say, I respect him as an intelligent person. I look forward to a campaign where we debate values, issues and policies.  It is interesting to see Stephen say that ACT and National share many of the same values.  I think it will fun exploring what those might, and might not, be.

As a starter for ten it would be good to hear Stephen’s views on John Key’s ‘sinking lid policy’ for the public service. Mine are here, for anyone who missed it. Anjum Rahman has written an excellent post here, that gives real examples of the valuable work done by the very public servants who John Key seems to consider surplus to requirements.

Over to you, Stephen….