John Carter - National Party Defence and Veterans' Affairs Spokesman

17 February 2005

Clark should leave Anzac alone

National's Defence and Veterans' Affairs spokesman, John Carter, says Prime Minister Helen Clark should keep her nose out of areas which do not concern her.

He is responding to reports today that Ms Clark has vetoed performances by music icons the Finn brothers and Australian John Farnham at the 90th Anniversary of Gallipoli in Anzac Cove this year.

"Helen Clark's arrogance knows no bounds," says Mr Carter.

"She has no right interfering with decisions made by our returned service people. This is their day, not hers.

"She has absolutely no right to get involved in this. Her standing on defence issues has no credibility.

"There is no difference between her saying what the returned service people here and in Australia should do, and who should play for the All Blacks or the Silver Ferns.

"She should stay out of people's lives and let New Zealanders who know what they are doing make decisions for themselves," Mr Carter says.

ENDS

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