Tony Ryall MP National Party Health Spokesman

27 February 2008

DHB sacking: "Appalling political manipulation"

National Party Health spokesman Tony Ryall says Health Minister David Cunliffe set up the Hawke's Bay District Health Board to fail.

"This is an appalling political manipulation. He set up the board to fail. He sacked them and silenced the critics ahead of an inquiry report.

"This report can not be considered independent anymore.

"Mr Cunliffe is clearing the board away so it is unable to defend itself and put its case in the conflict of interest inquiry.

"How else can he explain his inconsistent approach to District Health Board management?

"He kept the Capital & Coast Health Board despite widespread public opposition, yet he has sacked the Hawke's Bay board in spite of community support.

"In fact, the relatively recent election was one excuse Mr Cunliffe gave for not sacking the Capital & Coast board. Why the inconsistency when it comes to Hawke's Bay, Minister?

"One conclusion is that there's a wider political agenda.

"The public will now have grave doubts about the reliability of the inquiry into conflict of interest allegations at Hawke's Bay, when Labour is manufacturing excuses to silence key participants."

ENDS

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