Gerry Brownlee MP National Party Deputy Leader

14 December 2004

National rejects Margaret Wilson for Speaker

"The National Party rejects the nomination of Margaret Wilson as Parliament's next speaker and will be making alternative recommendations for the person we believe should succeed Jonathan Hunt," says Shadow Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee.

"Her appointment would be a recipe for chaos in Parliament. Respect is earned, not granted by appointment. The Opposition has no confidence in Margaret Wilson's ability to do the job.

"Even the Prime Minister has been critical of Margaret Wilson's performance this year, after stripping her of responsibility for the foreshore and seabed issue. Helen Clark also relieved her of her responsibility for Labour's pro-union employment law changes.

"Helen Clark shouldn't expect to sort out her Cabinet reshuffle headaches by putting a sub-standard Minister in the chair of the House.

"Parliament deserves much better from the Prime Minister," says Mr Brownlee

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