With the Rugby World Cup over, the election has well and truly begun. Personally, I’m feeling a little swamped in terms of the massive amounts of material – both from parties and the media – since Writ Day 10 days ago. Its truly a sprint campaign – short but very intense.

I want to make a short comparison today in terms of promoting Catholic principles v living them as a party.

Labour last week launched their Interfaith policy – which is largely ridiculous. As a Christian, I found it both patronising and mildly offensive. In the 9 years of Labour, we had a Prime Minister should constantly reminded us (as if we should forget) of the separation between church and state. And then the same party releases policy on what they would do to support religion if they became government. Contradiction much?

Also, Labour’s other policies are incredibly anti-Christian. Supporting gay marriage, adoption etc are all designed to unravel Christian morality.

Whereas National has no such policy – they’re focused “on what matters”: the economy mainly. I’ll make no judgement on the merits of that policy. However, last week they announced Simon O’Connor as the new candidate (and shoo-in MP) for the Tamaki electorate. Simon is a staunch Catholic, having studied at the seminary to be a priest until very late in the piece. Clearly he had another calling. He’s a good, faithful man and Parliament will do well with him on the Backbenches.

The contrast is between a party that proposes policy supporting religion and a party that elects good Christians as MPs. Style vs substance.

By far, it’s better to have good people influencing policy, rather than weak people influencing lukewarm policy.

Good luck to all parties. May the bloodbath begin.

St Thomas More, patron saint of politicians, pray for us.