Inquiry still needed despite Dalziel's resignation

National Party MP Judith Collins is maintaining her call for a full judicial inquiry into the Government's handling of sensitive documents relating to the deportation of a young Sri Lankan girl.

"Lianne Dalziel has admitted lying to the people of New Zealand. Her resignation does not alter the urgent need for a proper judicial inquiry into the affair," says Ms Collins.

"Ms Dalziel has been caught out doing the very thing that she accused the Sri Lankan girl's supporters of doing - manipulating the media.

"She has let herself down, and she has let New Zealanders down. "The sad fact is that none of this political fall-out will help a little girl who came to New Zealand seeking refuge.

"Just yesterday the Prime Minister had full confidence in her Minister, what has forced the change of heart? It's hard to believe that a single line in a single report triggered today's developments.

"We need reassurances that this issue has nothing to do with the Prime Minister's electorate office and the mysterious handling of a legally privileged letter.

"This is an issue that must not be swept under the carpet.

"So far there has been no adequate explanation about how that lawyer's letter came to be sent to the Prime Minister's electorate office in Auckland, nor a proper answer to questions about where the material came from in the first instance.

"National remains committed to uncovering the truth in these matters," says Ms Collins.

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