The Royal Tour The LOSERS TAXPAYERS, They are heirs to a billion-dollar fortune, but the royals were not the ones paying for their jaunt around the country. The total cost of the visit is still to be revealed, but it is estimated to have cost taxpayers $1.2 million. Charles and Camillas tour in 2012 cost $776,000 - two thirds of the budgeted $1.05m. For that tour, taxpayers paid for the 15 strong royal entourage, including Camillas personal hairdresser. Catherine also had a hairdresser, reportedly paid $600 a day. Other staff included multiple secretaries and a nanny. Other costs included accommodation and food. A private dinner with the prime minister and his family, arranged by professional chef Ruth Pretty, was confirmed to have been charged to the taxpayer, as was their reported stay at Wharekauhau Lodge (albeit at a discounted rate). The benefits reaped by the tourism industry from the visit cannot be quantified; but the cost to taxpayers soon will be. The WINNERS: JOHN KEY Five months out from an election, Key must be grinning from ear to ear. I dont think anyone is going to vote National, Labour or any other political party because were seen snapped next to the royals while theyre in New Zealand, he said early in the tour. But the tour will improve sentiment towards him and the National Party, Otago University political scientist Bryce Edwards says. [The tour] has been undoubtedly positive for the National government and for the prime minister. There is strong evidence from academic studies that when the public mood is high, people feel happy about the way the country is going and are more inclined to vote in favour of the incumbent government. stuff.co.nz/national/royal-tour/9951071/Whos-won-whos-lost-from-the-tour
Posted on: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 02:23:05 +0000
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