The decision to leave Phillida Bunkle on the backbench of the Alliance has been supported by Opposition Leader Jenny Shipley, who describes it as 'the only sensible decision Helen Clark could make over this issue'.

"Ms Bunkle clearly has something to hide, witnessed by the fact she refuses to release the full report of the Electoral Enrolment Centre. It is clear the explanations Bunkle gave to that authority seriously conflict with the explanations she gave to the Auditor General. Her response to this problem is to attempt a cover-up and that's not acceptable for any holder of a public office.

"Clark set a dangerous precedent with her re-instatement of Dover Samuels and Marian Hobbs.

"Clark has clearly recognised that the public won't buy that sort of wet-bus-ticket punishment a third time. Reinstating Bunkle, who is hiding the facts of this report, would have been unconscionable.

"The Prime Minister must now ensure that the full report of the Electoral Enrolment Centre is made public. That report may contain the answer to the question everyone is now asking: is Bunkle a fit person to remain in office as a Member of Parliament?

"Helen Clark attacked the Electoral Enrolment Centre for its 'cop out' report, which failed to make a decisive ruling. Unless the full report is made public Clark risks riding the same middle rail. Denying the public its right to see what really went on with Phillida Bunkle's questionable enrolment is a disservice to the status of Parliament and to the public of New Zealand," Jenny Shipley said.

Ends

© Scoop Media