Prebble To Be Sorely Missed

Tuesday 27 Apr 2004 Stephen Franks Press Releases –

On hearing the news that ACT New Zealand Leader Richard Prebble will resign the ACT leadership, ACT New Zealand MP Stephen Franks today cut short his trip to the US.

"I am sorry that Richard is resigning. His intellect, commitment and firepower will be needed by next year's new government, and I hope he chooses to remain in Parliament," Mr Franks said.

"The Party's direction over the next few months will be critical. ACT must be in the next Parliament, to provide intellectual consistency and strength to a Don Brash-led government.

"I want to help ensure that this next phase, choosing a fresh leader, brings credit to ACT. I have been urged to stand, and need to get back to discuss this with my colleagues.

"I want to see us bringing practical solutions on issues that other parties simply raise. Here in California, I've been looking at both sides of their `three strikes and you're out' debate, to re-focus criminal law away from servicing criminals instead of looking after victims.

"ACT cannot offer fresh solutions instead of politics for its own sake. I want to make sure that is the Party's character, whoever becomes leader," Mr Franks said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media