John Key wore the most heinous tie in the House for the first session of 2009. Vomit would be an accurate description. 

And is suit is much too banker - wide pinstripe on navy. Rodney Hide’s was even more obnoxious. In times of economic crisis, where the majority of blame is squared on the banks - i have fear in my heart seeing those banking suits on screen. 

Being able to watch the House on tv makes for an all new ability to assess tactics and structure. Behind JK we see three men. Men. In power suits. 

Behind Phil Goff is Maryan Street, Darren Hughes (cleanly shaven thank goodness) and Annette King by his side. It’s a well-orchestrated vision - women and a new generation. Just call me a youthful feminist.

Having said that, PG’s tie isn’t much better than JK’s. Orange is not his colour, but the suit is right. As soon as he opens his mouth PG’s experience is undeniable. His tone and intonation empathises with the victims of the Victoria bushfire tragedy in a way that JK’s fluffing never can. 

Having seen some of the Australian House yesterday, I have to say that the New Zealand debating chamber is miles more tasteful than its Australian counterpart.  

Simultaneously, Obama held his first prime time press conferene. His suit, tie and shirt choice - immaculate. Sober, perfectly cut, and perfectly fitted. That man knows his mind. He knows his lines inside and out. Oh, one can only dream to be so beautifully and captivatingly eloquent.

Just a quick aside to the cricket - whoever it is that is interviewing the two captains out on the pitch: WINNER suit. the wind is picking up the corner of his jacket and flashing us the most glorious snatches of fuschia silk, perfectly complimented by his blue tie, white shirt and another immaculate suit. HOT damn. I’m in love. I will always say: it is all about the lining. The lining makes a suit. Oh hold on. The shirt has stripes. Not so keen on the whole now, but still. that lining. oh yeah. 

Back to the first question time of the year...

Oh dear. Darren is wearing pinstripes too. Today, Nathan Guy has it on the button. Too bad all the lines coming from JK are tired. If Labour had cut taxes earlier, one would assume that we’d be in much deeper schtook with the economy.  

I’m undecided about Russel Norman’s suit. Obviously challenging the status quo with the light colour, which is good, but he needs to back it up and learn how to ask a coherent question.

Hmm all these patsy questions asking about concerns with levels of debt - one wonders if they’re trying to tell everyone that government debt is really scary (normally an approach of Labour’s) and so they will have an excuse if they need to cut spending over the coming months. Will be interesting to see how that one plays out. 

The moral of the story: now is not the time for pinstripes.