Childish Government plays musical chairs instead of debating
Lianne DALZIEL
Associate Justice Spokesperson
28
October
2012
MEDIA STATEMENT
Childish Government plays musical chairs
instead of debating
National's childish
refusal to debate alcohol reform created a pantomime version
of musical chairs on Q&A, when they should have discussed
the important issues, says Labour’s Associate Justice
spokesperson Lianne Dalziel.
“I was stunned to
learn that the Prime Minister’s office had stepped in to
prevent Chester Borrows from debating me on Q&A this
morning. Apparently we weren’t allowed to be seen on
screen together and he had to be interviewed after
me.
“This created an extraordinary chair swap, while the
camera was on Paul Holmes. I had to stand up and disappear
quickly while Chester snuck in and took my place. It looked
comical on TV and it was even more ridiculous off
camera.
“It was like playing musical chairs as a
child. Certainly National is behaving in a childish
fashion.
“Even veteran broadcaster Paul Holmes
appeared to have seen nothing like it.
“Initiating and
participating in public debate is a fundamental role of
Parliamentarians in a democracy.
“Chester
Borrows and the Prime Minister’s office should welcome
debate on alcohol reform aimed at reducing the terrible toll
it is exacting on our health system and criminal justice
system, let alone families and communities.
“The Prime
Minister fails all New Zealanders when he fails to
understand this essential principle.”
ENDS