OPINION: Winston Peters is a magnet for trouble.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into his party's funding says he and his party, ministers, and party officials have no case to answer. They are all in the clear.
But it hasn't stopped him launching an incredible and stinging attack on the SFO and a bunch of public servants who, because of their nature, can only sit there and stew over it. They can't defend themselves publicly right now.
I think the SFO were right to have a look at this weird arrangement with the "NZ First Foundation". We are told the foundation and party are very very different organisations, but it's hard not to be cynical.
It appears the foundation was paying for party expenses and therefore not subject to the Electoral Commission's oversight.
But Peters and his party fought hard for this all to be secret and not released before the election. He says the timing is poor and makes a mockery of balance, natural justice. and fairness when other parties have not had their dirty laundry dropped like this so close to the election.
Anyway, Peters bangs on and on and on and on and drags the SFO under a bus and car, and throws them to the wolves on the side of the gorge and then gags everyone by saying the matter is sub judice.
It's never his fault is it?
This is the death rattle of a man and a party that has run its course.
He's achieved a lot, Peters. By all accounts, he's a well respected Foreign Minister but I think voters are fed up with the same old antics, and no one wants to give him the chance to hold the country to ransom again.
Still, the time in the spotlight is rapidly drawing to a close for Peters, so perhaps you can't blame him for standing in it one last time.
Duncan Garner hosts The AM Show.
