United Future and the Duynhoven case

United Future leader Peter Dunne says if Parliament's privileges committee rules that New Plymouth MP, Harry Duynhoven, has invalidated his right to sit in Parliament, the United Future caucus will back the Government if it brings in legislation to clarify the right of Mr Duynhoven to sit in Parliament.

"While we are wary about supporting any retrospective legislation, it seems to us to be simple common sense to avoid a by-election that would cost the taxpayer $350,000 and that would almost inevitably be won by Mr Duynhoven given that he has the largest majority in the country," said Mr Dunne.

"United Future has urgently sought from the Government details of any proposed legislation because we believe this issue is bigger than Mr Duynhoven's situation.

"We believe the whole issue of MPs' rights to sit in this House needs the widest possible examination from the justice and electoral law select committee.

"Any legislation to regularise Mr Duynhoven's position should apply only to this session of Parliament. The select committee should act to clarify the rights of all affected MP's now and in the future.

"This is not a case of Parliament acting hastily to look after its mates; this is an issue where Parliament must say clearly what the responsibilities are of all New Zealanders who seek to represent their fellow New Zealanders in the House of Representatives," said Mr Dunne.

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