Hey Key you had better stop riding on what you see in the popularity polls and start, instead, acting like a man with some substance and integrity. Hopefully that's not too hard an ask. Stupid and inane comments like these references to Carter's health issues (real or imagined) don't befit the position of Prime Minister of NZ.

It's obvious you watch the polls. I guess you noticed the 4.5 rating NZ First are enjoying at the moment and they don't even have a presence in Parliament. So, you in your wisdom decide to make a little stand, trumpeting that you are happy to work with them especially with Michael Laws at the helm. Personally, I hope Laws is not in the picture at all. In my opinion, he is destructive rather than constructive. Here's the bottom line though, maybe just maybe, NZ First don't want to work with you.

And here's a thought come next election night, flip flop, flip flop, flip flop, that's the sound of the Nats leaving parliament grounds.

@Aaron Walker - he isn't ridiculing or laughing - he is simply questioning. As an elected official - he is not beyond reproach and infact should be put through at least the very same tests that Joe public goes through, especially in a situation like this.

The PM isn't assuming anything - rather he's asking the guy to front up.

Last week Carter was all smarmy about confronting his leader in a pretty tacky and amateur way, and he was questioned several times (Campbell Live, Close Up etc...) if he had 'lost the plot', 'was he sick' and each time he confirmed quite confidently that he is/was fine. Sure - he may be depressed and stressed, and not aware that he is sick, but it seems awfully curious that now his master plan appears to have fallen short, that this is the easy road out.

Let's remember who first raised his 'mental health' as an issue from the start - his own colleagues and supposed long term friends. They're the ones throwing stones at him - and the PM has weighed in only to query the authenticity of the claims, given Carter has now effectively agreed with his colleagues.

Noone in any job gets 14 days off per year - we are all afforded 5. So from the start he is already at an advantage. To then assume he can get a further 6 weeks off is crazy - that's more than the annual leave we all get.

He is in a privileged position, and is acting again like he is entitled, when in fact he is not. I suggest he enjoys the last 2 months of his parliamentary career, one that will not be remembered with much endearment at all.

I will never understand why people continue to describe John Key as charismatic... My dogs bum has more charisma & charm & is a lot less smarmy.

John Key you are the man. all this only serves to make labour (even) weaker- is a shame the tax payer has to fund chris carters nice long holiday but so be it, I'll have another term under national thanks.

weird that key would comment. Interesting that he is feeling threatened enough by Labour and Goff to feel he needs to attack. Or are the puppeters getting carried away and getting tweaking him?

Aaron (105). If John Key's daughter was working for us as her father is, then we would have every right to question her if she claims illness (of any sort) is affecting her performance. However she's not, so the argument is irrelevant. Let's leave the politicians' children out of this. Remember, Carter is gay, so everything he is criticised for is because he's being penalised due to his sexual orientation. Oh wait - that's his stance. I just find his "illness" to be a little too convenient in timing.

Chris Carter is playing everyone and is yet again getting a free ride. Good on Key for calling his bluff. Cunning Carter is hiding behind being unwell and his supporters (ruling council, too?) are enabling him. Guess it's too hard for him to give up all the perks, eh?

John Kirwan never looked sick either. Think, people.

Couldn't agree more that Key is acting like a "smug little plonker".

The simple fact that there was little public forum on Chris Carter would indicate to me that he had a point about the Labour leadership and that the current media's pro National stance meant that even those who agreed with Carter wouldn't get to respond on the various forums.

It's somewhat strange that the only time comments are raised about this is when there is something negative to say about Carter and/or the fact he taking sick leave. Is that part really worthy of 112 comments?

While the general consensus seems to be that how Carter went about this was wrong, the only people who seem to be talking the loudest is the Labour party leadership.

It's wise to remember that an empty vessel makes the loudest noise.

What Medical qualifications does Mr Key have?

He should respect the privacy of others when they are unwell.