Wikileaks : Daredevil Phil Goff is problem solver

Wikileak cables from the US embassy in Wellington reveal Labour MP Phil Goff is a pragmatic and amiable problem solver, with a gift for detail.

The cable also states Mr Goff is extremely hard-working and firmly devoted to the Labour Party.

"Unlike many of his Cabinet colleagues he has moved beyond being a 1960s ideologue."

"His practical approach to problems has won him no favors with the left-leaning Labour Caucus, and may even have cost him any chance of Party leadership"

Ex-ambassador Charles Swindells revealed Goff's close ties to America.

"Goff's sister is married to an American, and Goff has chosen late May for his trip to the United States so that he can participate in his American citizen nephew's graduation from West Point (another
American nephew has been serving with U.S. forces in Iraq)."

The cable reflects on Mr Goff's reluctance to commit to less nuclear regulation which it states is regrettably affecting New Zealand's relationship with the USA.

Other cables marvel at Mr Goff's willingness to get stuck into daredevil activities, like sky-diving.