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It is good that the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security has confirmed that the all SIS files on sitting MPs have been closed.

I have never had as many heartfelt messages of gratitude as I have for speaking out against our SAS troops going off to Afghanistan.

Pressure is on the Government to give the green light to a $445 million electronic upgrade for the Air Force Orions.

Pity the British Royal Family. A few centuries ago they could indulge their sexual peccadillos and eccentric pomposity in total privacy. Now what do we have? Tabloid journalists posing as footmen in Buckingham Palace.

The redeployment of the SAS to Afghanistan will again put New Zealand troops in the midst of the 'War on Terror'. Everyone from Amnesty to the UN has been having a go over the mistreatment of prisoners. How clean are New Zealand's hands on this issue?

The Government has sent SAS troops back to Afghanistan, to a war commentators frequently describe as ‘unwinnable’.  Opinion polls in countries that are actively engaged in the war – such as Australia, Britain and Canada – show a majority in favour of withdrawing combat troops.  Going into Afghanistan now in a combat role is akin to deciding to send troops to Vietnam in late 1974.

KEITH LOCKE* says good elements of the Government's defence assessment are undermined by the ignoring of air combat issues.

After a seven year wait, my Head of State Referenda Bill was finally pulled from the Member’s Ballot. This is my own private member’s bill. I hope to win enough support in Parliament to send it through for Select Committee consideration.  

The Identity (Citizenship and Travel Documents) Bill may be rushed through Parliament before Christmas despite being panned by most submitters to the Government Administration Select Committee.