Bill English MP

National Party Deputy Leader

19 July 2008

Owen Glenn: Helen Clark has explaining to do

The revelation that Labour donor Owen Glenn gave $100,000 to help pay Winston Peters’ legal bills for his battle with Bob Clarkson leaves Helen Clark with a lot of explaining to do, says National Party Deputy Leader Bill English.

“Many questions are raised by this revelation from Helen Clark’s Foreign Minister last night.

“Helen Clark should explain why she took no action whatsoever to get to the bottom of the contradictory claims this week, when she or someone in Labour could easily have contacted Mr Glenn.

“The public will also be wondering why Helen Clark thought it was okay to simply accept Mr Peters’ denial and say it was solely a matter for NZ First.  Why didn’t Labour just pick up the phone and ring Mr Glenn?

“Other questions include whether Helen Clark is happy that her Foreign Minister has acted ethically and responsibly in meeting his disclosure obligations as a Minister in her Government.

“Owen Glenn has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be New Zealand’s honorary consul in Monaco – a post which Mr Peters, as Foreign Minister, appoints.

“In his statement last night Mr Peters says: ‘I have cause to be very grateful to Mr Glenn for his very generous contribution.’

“Helen Clark needs to explain why Mr Glenn thinks he’s in the running for the honorary consul post and whether she considers the fact that he’s made a substantial donation to Mr Peters’ legal bills will make any difference.”

Ends

© Scoop Media