Government.      That   would   have   involved   the   smaller   parties   in   a   closer relationship with the Government than their political health may have suggested was  wise.    So  far  in  the  New  Zealand  experience,  MMP  has  been  tough  in exacting   electoral   retribution   from   small   parties.   The   2005   election   itself demonstrated  this  when  National  secured  many  votes  at  small  parties’  expense.   Thus  the  device  used  in  the  agreement  relaxed  the  principles  of  collective responsibility that apply as far as the two “Ministers outside Cabinet from other parties with Confidence and Supply Agreements” are concerned.    11 The Prime Minister’s media statement stated that “Collective Responsibility will apply to the areas for which they have portfolio responsibility.”⁷  The agreements themselves refer to collective responsibility: ⁸ New Zealand First agrees to fully represent the government position and be bound  by  Cabinet  Manual  provisions  in  respect  of  any  areas  within  the portfolio responsibility of the Leader of New Zealand First and to support all areas which are matters of confidence and supply. In other areas “agree to disagree” provisions will be applied as necessary. 12 MMP has had some profound effects on the operation of the New Zealand system of Government.  Those effects can probably be summarised as follows: · Parliament  and  opposition  parties  determine  the  continued  existence  of  a minority government. · The  Governor-General  has  more  potential  power  under  MMP  but  will exercise it only cautiously – occupants of the office have repeatedly stressed that it is for elected political leaders to take substantive decisions.⁹ · There is less pressure on Cabinet ministers to agree publicly with coalition Cabinet decisions.                                                  7    Rt Hon Helen Clark, above n 6. 8    New Zealand Labour, New Zealand First, “Confidence and Supply Agreement with New Zealand  First,” 17 October 2005 2. 9   Sir   Michael   Hardie   Boys,   Governor-General   (Public   Law   Class   at   College   House, Christchurch, 10 September 1997). <http://www.gg.govt.nz/gg/speeches.asp?type=current&ID=255> (last accessed 14 August 2006).   C:\Documents and Settings\TMcGlennon\Desktop\CPA Australian and Pacific Conf. 15 August.doc 16/08/2006 10:43 5