Spot the difference

Prime Minister John Key has released a statement expressing condolences at the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher:

The Government is today paying its respects to the family, friends and colleagues of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who passed away overnight.

“Baroness Thatcher was a passionate and formidable politician who loved her country. She was a strong and decisive leader with unwavering principles. She was Britain’s first and only female Prime Minister.

“We join with political leaders around the world in remembering Margaret Thatcher’s service to the people of Britain and her significant impact on the global political environment,” said Mr Key.

Labour leader David Shearer has also issued a statement:

Labour leader David Shearer has paid tribute to former British Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher, who has passed away aged 87.
“This is an enormously sad time for her family. My thoughts are with them, and the people of Britain, at this time.”
Mr Shearer says he admired Lady Thatcher as fiercely determined leader, who stood up for what she believed in.
“Lady Thatcher will be remembered as a strong and determined leader.”
During her time as Prime Minister, from 1979 until 1990, she faced some real challenges – from the conflict in the Falklands to tremendous economic changes,” says Mr Shearer.
“She has left a strong and permanent legacy in Britain. Lady Thatcher believed passionately in what she was doing, and she will be missed by many.”
Mr Shearer says he had met Lady Thatcher once in Britain, prior to his entering politics.
“I met Lady Thatcher only briefly, and I remember being somewhat in awe of her, as such a well-recognised, well-known world leader.

(Both statements slightly edited.)

L

5 thoughts on “Spot the difference

  1. Sorry but the “somewhat in awe of her, as such a well-recognised, well-known world leader.”
    gives it away

  2. Where did you get the statement from David Shearer ?
    The only one I’ve been able to find is this one on Scoop NZ – which doesn’t quite gel with yours

    09 April 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
    Labour pays respect to Margaret Thatcher
    Labour is today paying its respects to the family, friends and colleagues of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who passed away overnight.
    “Baroness Thatcher was a passionate and formidable politician who loved her country. While I didn’t agree with many of her policies, she was a strong and decisive leader with unwavering principles. She was Britain’s first and only female Prime Minister.
    “We join with political leaders around the world in remembering Margaret Thatcher’s service to the people of Britain and her significant impact on the global political environment,” said David Shearer.

  3. Key spoke about Thatcher at a stand-up with journalists in China, whereas Shearer’s statement was put out by his office. Presumably because his staff were terrified of what he might gabble about Thatcher if he spoke out loud.

    Whenever you see “David Shearer said” in the media, check to see if he actually did. If you understood it, he probably didn’t.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *