27-Jul-2010 11:52
By Marcus Lush
OK, everyone is having a go at Steven Joyce and changes to drink driving laws. Many are saying he has not gone far enough. Here is what I think...
I was curious to see how Joyce would go as a cabinet minister. He has not been in Parliament long, but I think he is one of the stars.
The main point is at least he is doing something. And he seems determined to cut down on the carnage that drink drivers are causing. The fact that he has done this is a cause to celebrate. Many have stood by and said it is too hard a problem to solve. To me, Joyce seems courageous and his tactic of attacking recidivist drink drivers is spot on.
The recidivist drink driver is the biggest danger to innocent people that exists in the community. Joyce is spot on to target them. And the thing about recidivist drink drivers is that often their thinking is so twisted they do not even know the menace and carnage they are causing.
These people must end up in prison so they have time to recognise and adrenals their behaviour.
Joyce is a hero for recognising this and targeting them – good on him.
This is a guy that seems to have gone to Parliament to recognise and solve problems. Unlike Brownlee who just seems to want to wind up the outdoor types. Or McCully who just wants to appear aggrieved.