GEORGINA BEYER (NZ Labour--Wairarapa): It is great to be able to contribute to the general debate today. I thank the member who just resumed his seat, Mr Dunne, for that speech. We have heard it yet again. I think it is the "Ohariu-Belmont seat retention" speech. I begin by also congratulating Mr English and Mr Sowry on their elevation to leader and deputy leader of the National Party. I also acknowledge Mrs Shipley, and wish her well in her future in a new position. It has obviously come at some cost, I think.

I am looking forward to the feminisation of the front bench of the National Party---[Interruption] I see Lockwood Smith is already looking up my skirt. I will happily offer it to him. I have the name of a surgeon, if any members might be interested, if they feel they need to physically change. Poor old Mr Ryall, he does not know whether he is going to be the finance spokesperson. He would look good in the dress I am wearing now.

There will be trouble. We hear that Mr English will be forward-looking and pragmatic, and will offer a new vision. Well, we have yet to see it. It has taken the National Party almost 2 years of this session of Parliament to get to the point where its members are slightly invigorated.

On the matter of the feminisation of the front bench of the National Party, I am looking forward to possibly seeing Pansy Wong and Belinda Vernon there, or even Marie Hasler. We have heard a whisper that Dr Lynda Scott might join the pit bulls on the front bench, and make a contribution. Whatever decision is made by the National Party caucus in that regard, I hope we see a number of women sitting on that front bench, which will be a change from what we have seen in the past, when only the previous leader was brave enough to wear a skirt.

I respect Mr English's sometimes conservative views on moral issues, particularly issues such as abortion, but I would like to focus on gay, lesbian, and transgender issues. The previous leader of the National Party was unable to attend this year's Hero Parade. I am looking forward to assisting Mr English to be on the front float, at least, of the next Hero Parade. I would certainly like to invite him, his children, and his wife to join in that wonderfully diverse celebration. He would be likely to have assistance from his own party member Mrs Vernon, who has been a regular attendee and supporter. At least, he would be showing that he has an interest in that minority sector of our community, which has become very important to the vibrancy and diversity of not only our country but, indeed, this House. I am looking forward to assisting Mr English with his costume for the Hero Parade. I am sure it will have whistles and bells on it, and possibly other unusual things, but we will let him be creative in that regard.

He commented before about dithering, and I myself have been accused of that recently, but I am now certain about my future, which will be to continue after the next election as the member for Wairarapa. I do not know whether we could say the same about Mr English, because if we look at Mr Sowry's attitude to date, we see that he is rubbing his hands with glee as he sits there behind the scenes.

Then there was the cosy little retreat on Waiheke Island with Mrs Boag that Mr English enjoyed very, very recently. Mrs Boag, at least, claims that she had no idea at the time that such a leadership coup would occur so imminently. I find that incredible. It is as incredible as the documents on Mrs Shipley's dining room table that became of some concern to other people---and that only just came to mind!