For two of those years, Helen Clark had been Minister of Health. In any event I was bemused rather than appalled to hear that the Prime Minister had just resurrected the label. But the Prime Minister did not apologise for anything. She was going to defend his honour come hell or high water.
Studied plasticity is a vile quality in a human being, all too common in our politicians.
It's a pity Ms Clark does not believe in the freedom of the individual. She would be a formidable ally.