United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne, has applauded Ruth Dyson's decision to resign as a Minister after failing a drink-drive breath test.

"This will have been a very painful decision for her, and is a harsh price to pay, but it is the right decision in the circumstances, and I admire her for her decisiveness and courage."

"Ms Dyson has set an example for others to follow, and has reinforced the general unacceptability of drinking and driving."

"Her decision is an honourable and a welcome contrast to the litany of cases in recent years where Ministers and public figures have squirmed every which way to avoid accepting responsibility on issues like this."

"This will be a difficult time for Ruth Dyson and those close to her, and they deserve space and time to adjust to what has happened, outside the prying eyes of the media," Mr Dunne says.

Ends

© Scoop Media