The Government should not give in to Firefighters Union demands to have Brian Stanley removed as Deputy Chairman of the Fire Service Commission, National Internal Affairs spokesperson Lindsay Tisch said today.

"Brian Stanley's warrant should be renewed so he can continue for another term. Brian Stanley is an outstanding commissioner. He has volunteer fire service experience, has been a Chief Fire Officer, was President of the United Fire Brigades Association and has an extensive managerial background.

"It was the unanimous recommendation of the United Fire Brigade's Association that Mr Stanley's warrant be renewed. The United Fire Brigade's Association represents over 8000 volunteer Firefighters in New Zealand.

"The Unions just want one of their own hacks in there who will give in to their every demand.

"If the Minister gives in to Union demands to get rid of Mr Stanley he will be demonstrating that this Government is so deep in the pockets of the unions that it can't even think straight. It's about time we found out who's really running the Fire Service under this Government," Mr Tisch said.

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