Latest news with #Bolger
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
'I've Had A Wonderful Life': 90 Years Of Jim Bolger
Jim Bolger, who was the prime minister between 1990 and 1997, turned 90 on Saturday. He reflected on the last nine decades of his life on Sunday Morning - after having celebrated with a "big gathering" of family, friends, and neighbours. On his political career, Bolger said the biggest issue was to get Pākehā to "face up to the reality that we owed Māori". "We took big steps in the economy, and got the economy going, and all the rest, but the country and society is more than the economy," he said. "Māori ... had been badly, badly treated by the early settlers, we owed Māori redress and change. "I put that higher than managing the books, as it were, with the help of others, and of course you're always helped by others, but the Treaty principles and recognition that the early European settlers did not treat Māori fairly, I think was hugely important." Bolger said he did not understand those, such as David Seymour - who had also been sworn in as deputy prime minister on Saturday - who "want to diminish the role of Māori in New Zealand". "They were here first, they were here very much before everybody else, and they have been part of our history from that time on." He said the current prime minister, Christopher Luxon, needed to tell Seymour "to shut up with his anti-Māori rhetoric" - and to thank Winston Peters for what he's doing in foreign affairs - "because I think he's doing that job well". "Winston's a very interesting political figure, there's no question about it. He's certainly left his mark on politics in New Zealand." Bolger said his Irish ancestry helped him engage emotionally and attitudinally with Māori. "I sort of instinctively knew what it was like to be treated as second-class citizens, and Māori were treated as second-class citizens. And some people still want to do that." Bolger grew up in coastal Taranaki, and said he was not taught "a single word" about the invasion of a pacifist settlement at Parihaka, but was taught about War of the Roses in England. Reflecting on his life outside of his political career, he could not say what he was most proud of - "I think it'd be foolish to try and select one over another." He began as a farmer - from helping his neighbour to milk cows at nine, to leaving Ōpunake High School at 15 to work on the family dairy farm, and owning his own near Rahotu at 27. He got married and moved to a sheep and beef farm in Te Kūiti two years later. Bolger then joined the National Party and was an MP, the leader of the opposition, and then the prime minister after National won the 1990 general election. He later became New Zealand's Ambassador to the United States, was elected Chancellor of the University of Waikato, and has been the chairman of a number of state-owned enterprises and other organisations. Bolger was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal in 1993, and was appointed a Member of the Order of New Zealand in 1998. He also has nine children and 18 grandchildren. "They were all important and very interesting positions to have, and I enjoyed it," Bolger said. "When you get to 90, and reflecting back over my variety of positions I've had across the world, and the countries I've visited, which are without number, there's so many, that it's just been very fortunate. "I've had a wonderful life with a wonderful wife and family, and it's all been good." As for advice he would give to New Zealanders, Bolger said the main thing would be to listen to others. "Don't try and dictate to them, listen to them, see what they're saying, see what their issues are, see what their concerns are, and then you might be able to make a sensible suggestion to help their lives. "And if you approach it from that direction, you know, how can I help this person or that person, then I'm sure you'll be much more satisfied with your life, and hopefully, they will be better off."
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
'I've had a wonderful life': Former PM turns 90
Jim Bolger, who was the prime minister between 1990 and 1997, turned 90 on Saturday. He reflected on the last nine decades of his life on Sunday morning - after having celebrated with a "big gathering" of family, friends, and neighbours. On his political career, Bolger said the biggest issue was to get Pākehā to "face up to the reality that we owed Māori". "We took big steps in the economy, and got the economy going, and all the rest, but the country and society is more than the economy," he said. "Māori ... had been badly, badly treated by the early settlers, we owed Māori redress and change. "I put that higher than managing the books, as it were, with the help of others, and of course you're always helped by others, but the Treaty principles and recognition that the early European settlers did not treat Māori fairly, I think was hugely important." Bolger said he did not understand those, such as David Seymour - who had also been sworn in as deputy prime minister on Saturday - who "want to diminish the role of Māori in New Zealand". "They were here first, they were here very much before everybody else, and they have been part of our history from that time on." He said the current prime minister, Christopher Luxon, needed to tell Seymour "to shut up with his anti-Māori rhetoric" - and to thank Winston Peters for what he's doing in foreign affairs - "because I think he's doing that job well". "Winston's a very interesting political figure, there's no question about it. He's certainly left his mark on politics in New Zealand." Bolger said his Irish ancestry helped him engage emotionally and attitudinally with Māori. "I sort of instinctively knew what it was like to be treated as second-class citizens, and Māori were treated as second-class citizens. And some people still want to do that." Bolger grew up in coastal Taranaki, and said he was not taught "a single word" about the invasion of a pacifist settlement at Parihaka, but was taught about War of the Roses in England. Reflecting on his life outside of his political career, he could not say what he was most proud of - "I think it'd be foolish to try and select one over another." He began as a farmer - from helping his neighbour to milk cows at nine, to leaving Ōpunake High School at 15 to work on the family dairy farm, and owning his own near Rahotu at 27. He got married and moved to a sheep and beef farm in Te Kūiti two years later. Bolger then joined the National Party and was an MP, the leader of the opposition, and then the prime minister after National won the 1990 general election. He later became New Zealand's Ambassador to the United States, was elected Chancellor of the University of Waikato, and has been the chairman of a number of state-owned enterprises and other organisations. Bolger was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal in 1993, and was appointed a Member of the Order of New Zealand in 1998. He also has nine children and 18 grandchildren. "They were all important and very interesting positions to have, and I enjoyed it," Bolger said. "When you get to 90, and reflecting back over my variety of positions I've had across the world, and the countries I've visited, which are without number, there's so many, that it's just been very fortunate. "I've had a wonderful life with a wonderful wife and family, and it's all been good." As for advice he would give to New Zealanders, Bolger said the main thing would be to listen to others. "Don't try and dictate to them, listen to them, see what they're saying, see what their issues are, see what their concerns are, and then you might be able to make a sensible suggestion to help their lives. "And if you approach it from that direction, you know, how can I help this person or that person, then I'm sure you'll be much more satisfied with your life, and hopefully, they will be better off."
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former GOP Speaker agrees with pushback against state's 'corporate welfare' plan
The Brief Currently, some Republicans and Democrats have aligned against the governor's plan they call "corporate welfare." Former GOP House Speaker Jase Bolger recently did an interview where he weighed in on the situation. Bolger agrees with the effort and says business incentives used by southern states should be considered. LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - Jase Bolger is the former GOP House Speaker who is part of a very unusual alliance. What they're saying Conservative Republicans have locked arms with progressive Democrats in the legislature - their plan is to quash Governor Gretchen Whitmer's incentive packages to dole out money to get more jobs. Those progressives and conservatives call the program "corporate welfare" - and Bolger agrees. "Yes I do, and it's not working," he said. The current House GOP Speaker Matt Hall is leading this charge against the governor to get rid of these incentives. Bolger, who now runs the West Michigan Policy forum argues that cash windfalls and tax breaks should be the last thing offered, and the first thing, is what they should be doing down south. "When you look at southern states they've got things like no income tax, they've got things like right to work, they've got a much better unemployment system, workers comp system and legal structure. There are a lot of underlying (things) like cutting red tape. "The incentives - if they happen, they are the last thing. not the first thing." When Governor Rick Synder was elected, he opposed financial incentives and did "gardening" to keep jobs here. However, by the time he left office, he too, was doling out the money. Bolger argued that Snyder was wrong. "I think he was," he said. "He had the first part (on gardening) right. I think the second part he got badgered into doing it." Governor Gretchen Whitmer argued if Michigan doesn't offer these dollars it amounts to unilateral disarmament, meaning other states will poach the jobs here, while the governor watches. She does not want that. This political tug of war continues on Mackinac Island at a political business conference with the winner yet to be determined. The Source This report is from an interview with Jase Bolger.
Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Tina Satchwell's cause of death could not be determined, jury hears
Richard Satchwell, of Grattan Street in Youghal, is accused of murdering his wife between March 19 and 20, 2017. The 58-year-old, who is originally from Leicester in England, denies the charge. The jury in Satchwell's trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin has heard details of the post-mortem examination of Mrs Satchwell after her remains were found under the stairs in the living room of their Co Cork home in October 2023, six years after Satchwell reported her missing. On Tuesday, assistant state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the jury that she was asked to attend the scene where Mrs Satchwell's remains were found on October 12, 2023. She said she observed that a wall had been removed and a hole at a depth of approximately 62cm had been dug. She said Mrs Satchwell's remains, which looked to be in a considerable state of 'longstanding disarray', were found in what was effectively a grave. Dr Bolger, who told the jury she had completed some 30,000 post-mortem examinations, said she began the examination of Mrs Satchwell's remains in the Cork City mortuary that evening, before finishing her work the following morning. She said she was given information that Mrs Satchwell had been in previous good health. The body was received in a black body bag, and a layer of black plastic which was put on the scene to keep the remains together and preserve and trace evidence. Beneath that, the body was in another layer of black plastic and also wrapped in a heavily stained, soiled sheet – which appeared to be a bed sheet. She said the soiling of the bed sheet was to be expected due to the earth and the decomposition of the body. There was debris and soil present on the body and bones could be seen protruding through the bed sheet. The body was received lying face down and was dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown. A gold-coloured Playboy branded purse was removed from the left hand pocket of the dressing gown. It contained a Tesco clubcard, a Public Services Card, a Holland and Barrett rewards card, an Xtravision premium membership card, a Rathcormack car boot sale card, and a Boots advantage card in Mrs Satchwell's name. Dr Bolger outlined details of the post-mortem examination, stating that the body was rotated onto its back for the examination. She told the jury the skull had separated from the rest of the body as a result of the natural process of decomposition, while one of the arms and femurs had also been disarticulated. She explained there was formation of 'adipocere' on parts of the remains, which forms in decomposing tissue in warm and moist environments. Dr Bolger said there were also pieces of what could be glass found on the scalp and body but added she could not say where the pieces had come from. Asked if it was possible the glass came from the sheet, she said she could not say. Dr Bolger said she could not examine for external marks or injuries due to the length of time between death and the post-mortem examination. She said examiners would normally document every single marking on the head, neck and body to get an understanding of what may have been the cause of death. She said an internal examination was not possible because there were no organs remaining after decomposition. Therefore, she added that no comment on natural disease could be made. Dr Bolger said a toxicology report was also not possible, although a small amount of head hair was examined and showed that prescribed or illicit drugs had not been consumed in the previous 90 days. On the small amount of muscle that was available for examination, she said she could not identify any signs of hemorrhage or bleeding. There was no evidence of any fractures – or previous fractures – to any of the remaining bones throughout the skeletal remains, including in x-rays of Mrs Satchwell's hands. There was no evidence of fracture to the hyoid bone. Dr Bolger said this was like a chicken wishbone at the top of the voice box, which had 'not much more' of a consistency than a matchstick. She explained that this bone is fractured in roughly 9% of hangings, 24% of ligature strangulations, and 73% of manual strangulations or incidences of throttling. She said that Mrs Satchwell's larynx could not be identified in the decomposing remains. Dr Bolger said the dressing gown cord was in a 'very unusual position' and was not threaded through the loops of the gown itself. The jury was shown a video of a garda with a different dressing gown cord tied around his body to demonstrate how it appeared on the remains. The cord of the gown in the reconstruction was wrapped over the shoulder of the garda, across the chest under the other arm, and wrapped around the back to be tied on the front of the body. She said this was done over the dressing gown. The original gown and belt was explained to be in a brittle and hazardous state. Under cross-examination by Brendan Grehan SC, for Mr Satchwell, Dr Bolger was asked if the tying of the gown was like something used to carry a body. She replied: 'That's exactly my thoughts.' She explained from her experience it was difficult to move a deceased body and very often ligatures are used to move a body from one area to another. Also under questioning from Mr Grehan, Detective Garda David Kelleher told the court that the dressing gown had been photographed and searched for Mrs Satchwell's wedding ring in February of this year. He said this was done as Satchwell had said he placed the ring in a pocket of the gown. The ring has not been recovered, the jury heard. The jury previously heard evidence from a forensic scientist who said the gown and cord were not suitable for examination as they were too damp, mouldy and brittle. Mr Grehan asked if it was possible the ring fell out of the gown, which had partially disintegrated. Det Gda Kelleher, the garda in the reconstruction video, said he could not be sure. Ms Satchwell's former doctor, Dr Deirdre O'Grady, returned on Tuesday after being asked to search for documents relating to her care. However, she said that the files could not be located and offered two potential explanations for why that may be the case. She said either Ms Satchwell had taken the documents herself when she changed doctors, or that the files had been shredded at some point after her file was inactive for eight years. Meanwhile, Dr O'Grady reiterated that she had no recollection of claims that she had consulted with Satchwell after an alleged overdose or after an alleged incident in which his face was scratched by his wife. The trial continues on Wednesday.
Powys County Times
20-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Tina Satchwell's cause of death could not be determined, jury hears
Tina Satchwell's cause of death could not be determined due to the skeletal nature of the remains recovered from a grave in her home, the jury in her murder-accused husband's trial has heard. Richard Satchwell, of Grattan Street in Youghal, is accused of murdering his wife between March 19 and 20, 2017. The 58-year-old, who is originally from Leicester in England, denies the charge. The jury in Satchwell's trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin has heard details of the post-mortem examination of Mrs Satchwell after her remains were found under the stairs in the living room of their Co Cork home in October 2023, six years after Satchwell reported her missing. On Tuesday, assistant state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the jury that she was asked to attend the scene where Mrs Satchwell's remains were found on October 12, 2023. She said she observed that a wall had been removed and a hole at a depth of approximately 62cm had been dug. She said Mrs Satchwell's remains, which looked to be in a considerable state of 'longstanding disarray', were found in what was effectively a grave. Dr Bolger, who told the jury she had completed some 30,000 post-mortem examinations, said she began the examination of Mrs Satchwell's remains in the Cork City mortuary that evening, before finishing her work the following morning. She said she was given information that Mrs Satchwell had been in previous good health. The body was received in a black body bag, and a layer of black plastic which was put on the scene to keep the remains together and preserve and trace evidence. Beneath that, the body was in another layer of black plastic and also wrapped in a heavily stained, soiled sheet – which appeared to be a bed sheet. She said the soiling of the bed sheet was to be expected due to the earth and the decomposition of the body. There was debris and soil present on the body and bones could be seen protruding through the bed sheet. The body was received lying face down and was dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown. A gold-coloured Playboy branded purse was removed from the left hand pocket of the dressing gown. It contained a Tesco clubcard, a Public Services Card, a Holland and Barrett rewards card, an Xtravision premium membership card, a Rathcormack car boot sale card, and a Boots advantage card in Mrs Satchwell's name. Dr Bolger outlined details of the post-mortem examination, stating that the body was rotated onto its back for the examination. She told the jury the skull had separated from the rest of the body as a result of the natural process of decomposition, while one of the arms and femurs had also been disarticulated. She explained there was formation of 'adipocere' on parts of the remains, which forms in decomposing tissue in warm and moist environments. Dr Bolger said there were also pieces of what could be glass found on the scalp and body but added she could not say where the pieces had come from. Asked if it was possible the glass came from the sheet, she said she could not say. Dr Bolger said she could not examine for external marks or injuries due to the length of time between death and the post-mortem examination. She said examiners would normally document every single marking on the head, neck and body to get an understanding of what may have been the cause of death. She said an internal examination was not possible because there were no organs remaining after decomposition. Therefore, she added that no comment on natural disease could be made. Dr Bolger said a toxicology report was also not possible, although a small amount of head hair was examined and showed that prescribed or illicit drugs had not been consumed in the previous 90 days. On the small amount of muscle that was available for examination, she said she could not identify any signs of hemorrhage or bleeding. There was no evidence of any fractures – or previous fractures – to any of the remaining bones throughout the skeletal remains, including in x-rays of Mrs Satchwell's hands. There was no evidence of fracture to the hyoid bone. Dr Bolger said this was like a chicken wishbone at the top of the voice box, which had 'not much more' of a consistency than a matchstick. She explained that this bone is fractured in roughly 9% of hangings, 24% of ligature strangulations, and 73% of manual strangulations or incidences of throttling. She said that Mrs Satchwell's larynx could not be identified in the decomposing remains. Dr Bolger said the dressing gown cord was in a 'very unusual position' and was not threaded through the loops of the gown itself. The jury was shown a video of a garda with a different dressing gown cord tied around his body to demonstrate how it appeared on the remains. The cord of the gown in the reconstruction was wrapped over the shoulder of the garda, across the chest under the other arm, and wrapped around the back to be tied on the front of the body. She said this was done over the dressing gown. The original gown and belt was explained to be in a brittle and hazardous state. Under cross-examination by Brendan Grehan SC, for Mr Satchwell, Dr Bolger was asked if the tying of the gown was like something used to carry a body. She replied: 'That's exactly my thoughts.' She explained from her experience it was difficult to move a deceased body and very often ligatures are used to move a body from one area to another. Also under questioning from Mr Grehan, Detective Garda David Kelleher told the court that the dressing gown had been photographed and searched for Mrs Satchwell's wedding ring in February of this year. He said this was done as Satchwell had said he placed the ring in a pocket of the gown. The ring has not been recovered, the jury heard. The jury previously heard evidence from a forensic scientist who said the gown and cord were not suitable for examination as they were too damp, mouldy and brittle. Mr Grehan asked if it was possible the ring fell out of the gown, which had partially disintegrated. Det Gda Kelleher, the garda in the reconstruction video, said he could not be sure.
