16 March 2000

ROYAL PHOTOS A RED HERRING, SAYS DUNNE

United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne, says the argument about the Queen's photo in Parliament is a silly red herring.

Mr Dunne, who has strong republican sympathies, says the Queen's photo should remain on display, so long as she is New Zealand's Head of State.

"It is absurd to suggest otherwise."

"My only gripe is the age of the photos."

"Too many of those we see on display are years out of date, and frankly tatty."

"I think we should display our Head of State's photograph prominently, but we should also make sure the photograph is a recent one that bears some resemblance to the person it purports to show," Mr Dunne says.

Mr Dunne says MPs suggesting otherwise could perhaps be the first candidates for New Zealand First MP Ron Mark's random dope testing idea!

ENDS

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