Helen Clark’s First Big Test: Tamihere Must Go
HELEN CLARK’S FIRST BIG TEST:
TAMIHERE MUST GO
The Rt Hon Winston Peters MP, Leader of New Zealand First, today said that recent developments in the John Tamihere case will test whether the Labour Government, under Helen Clark’s leadership, is really setting any standard of accountability in New Zealand Politics – or just sounding like they are.
“Regardless of how or why personal details regarding Mr Tamihere have come to public light he has misled the House and, consequently, the Prime Minister has no choice but to demand his resignation.
“I say this as a Leader who saw one of my former MPs, Mr Michael Laws, put in the position of having to resign himself for misleading the House.
“When I learned of the deception I went to Parliament the next sitting day and announced my MP’s resignation. The Prime Minister should do the same thing,” said Mr Peters.
Mr Peters said that the controversy surrounding Mr Tamihere presents the Government – and the Prime Minister – with an opportunity to show the public that they practise what they preach about political accountability.
“On these matters actions speak louder than words,” said Mr Peters.
ENDS