25 September 2008

RIP Brian Donnelly: Greens

New Zealand has lost a highly principled and respected citizen with the death of former New Zealand First MP Brian Donnelly QSO today, the Green Party says.

"I had a very high respect for Brian. He was a fine person and a good MP, highly principled and ethical," Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

"I was on the Minister of Foreign Affairs' Pacific trip with him in 1998 when news of the break up of the coalition came through. He resigned his ministerial position, stayed with his party and left the coalition.

"I know he considered that not on the basis of personal interest, but principle."

Mr Donnelly - who had taught in Rarotonga and recently served as New Zealand's High Commissioner for the Cook Islands - had a strong affinity for the Pacific and spoke fluent Cook Islands Maori, Ms Fitzsimons says.

"Our heartfelt condolences go to Brian's three children and his wife Linda."

ENDS

© Scoop Media