And we even congratulated councillors on having the maturity to express a range of views on the future of Centennial Park, as ratepayers would expect them to.

Those hopes appear in tatters this morning.

Councillor Bobby Bourke has broken ranks to speak publicly about the conflict on council, and he says former mayor Monica Morse is at the centre of the turmoil.

For her part, Cr Morse says she has little idea what Cr Bourke is talking about – and she clearly thinks he does not know either.

This has been a divided council from day one and it seems nothing will change over the two- and-a-half years until the next council elections.

And that could be a good thing or bad thing, depending where you stand.

On one hand, tensions on council ensure all elected representatives are encouraged to think for themselves and to speak their mind on contentious issues.

They also mean councillors are free to represent the residents who voted for them rather than vote as a bloc with other councillors.

On the other hand, though, a council focused more on bickering than outcomes achieves nothing for the city.

But this does not appear to be the case here.

Under mayor Gary Rush’s leadership, this council – while divided – is growing in confidence and performance.

If it takes a war within the chambers to bring out the best in all concerned, then so be it.

A little criticism has never hurt a politician. It may have even driven a few to greater heights.