Tuesday 2 Apr 2002

When Jim Anderton told Gregory Fortuin to "follow your conscience" about whether to seek re-appointment as Race Relations Commissioner, Mr Fortuin would have known his position was untenable, ACT leader Richard Prebble says.

"What I find extraordinary is that Margaret Wilson and Helen Clark can be so critical of Mr Fortuin for attempting to mediate in the Alliance's problems but they failed to mention the extraordinary lack of judgement shown by the Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Justice Minister, Matt Robson, who didn't realise that they were compromising the Race Relations Commissioner's office.

"Why is it that Mr Fortuin has had to resign but there hasn't been any reference to the role played by Alliance MPs in this unfortunate business?

"What does Mr Anderton's conscience tell him he should now do?" Mr Prebble said.

ENDS

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