Serious Constitutional Appointment – Sullied by PM’s Media Manipulation

A serious constitutional appointment for New Zealand has been sullied by the Prime Minister’s media manipulation, says New Zealand First Leader and MP for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“The PM has finally absorbed the fact he is going to lose the flag referendum so has used the media to downplay the impending result before he shoots offshore to escape any further embarrassment.

“The appointment of a new governor general is not a diversion and most certainly should not be used as media distraction.

“He’s manipulated the flag referendum process, and now has manipulated the media with leaks on the appointment of Dame Patsy Reddy – there was a leak last week of who was in the running and then early today it was the likely choice.

“This was no accident, and not the way the announcement of the highest constitutional position in the country should be handled.

“Mr Key conveniently put out the leaks, then the announcement today and will step onto a plane on Thursday night to fly to the United States just as the flag referendum result is known – and his defeat is confirmed.

“He doesn’t have the decency to take it on the chin. He had to resort to low level tactics to take the heat off the loss, and tie himself back to the Queen and the official flag which he had fought so hard to get rid of.

“But to use such a high level appointment to hide behind is deplorable practice for a prime minister, who should be acting as a statesman, be gracious in defeat and face the public when it happens.”

ENDS

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