Media statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 28 October 2003

Dunne agrees to cannabis debate

United Future leader, Peter Dunne, says he will debate publicly with Green MP, Nandor Tanczos, on the abuse of cannabis, on certain conditions.

“Mr Tanczos claims he only wants to minimize the harm of drug abuse but his actions belie his words,” said Mr Dunne, “so I am willing to allow him an opportunity to demonstrate his integrity in this matter.

“Mr Tanczos was elected on the Green list as a lawmaker, not a lawbreaker, but has consistently proclaimed his so-called right to smoke cannabis – an illegal act.

“His continued tenure of his role as an MP is therefore a fraud on the taxpayer and Mr Tanczos should resign from Parliament immediately, since his actions contradict his words.

“Further, Mr Tanczos has been offered the opportunity in recent times to tell the police the truth about his illegal activities and to name his dealer, but has failed to do so, demonstrating he does not really have the courage of his convictions.

“Accordingly, when Mr Tanczos demonstrates his commitment to stopping drug abuse by resigning from Parliament, turning himself into the police and naming his dealer, I will be prepared to debate with him about the damage drugs visit on New Zealand.

“If he refuses this offer, then I will leave him to his pathetic attempts to gain cheap publicity, along with Jim Anderton’s Progressive Party, by trivialising a very serious issue for New Zealand,” said Mr Dunne.

ends