Hon David Cunliffe
Minister of Health

18 March 2008 Media Statement

The weakest of squeaks from Ryall

Minister of Health David Cunliffe said the findings of a review into alleged conflicts of interest are so conclusive they have virtually silenced even the National Party.

“Mr Ryall’s refusal to take part in media interviews, even shutting the door on one reporter, has resulted him being described by one media outlet as a “mouse” in regards of the independent review of alleged conflicts of interest at Hawke’s Bay DHB.”

Mr Cunliffe said the performance of Mr Ryall in the Parliament today was a weak attempt to deflect attention away from the failings of the former Hawke’s Bay DHB.

“Even when an urgent debate was called all Mr Ryall could do was continue to squeak about Mr Hausmann. The reality is the board failed and now Mr Ryall is failing to front up outside of House to back-up his statements.”

“For weeks we have had the National Party attempting to undermine this report in an attempt to protect the former board and make political mileage. But now that the report is here the opposition have been reduced to meekly refusing interviews,” Mr Cunliffe said.

“Now that the report is here we find this Board failed even the most basic tests of good governance. Its failure to pass these basic tests had nothing to do with one government appointee, rather they were ingrained, widespread and could not continue.”

Mr Cunliffe said the priority now was for the Commissioner to ensure the Board’s focus was the delivery of health services.

“Its time for the patients to come first and the petty personal politics to be put aside.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media