A backdown by any other name

The PM suggestion that the amendment proposed today over the anti-smacking bill is not a backdown is ludicrous.

For ages Sue Bradford has been threatening to pull said bill if any amendment was made - we now have a multi-party agreed amendment, but Sue has not pulled the bill - a backdown in my book!

This farce has now played into National's hands with John Key being the concilatory mediator, implementing exactly what was proposed by Chester Borrows months ago and pooh-poohed by Labour because it was suggested by National.

The picture tells all...