29 November 2001

All New Zealanders should be concerned that despite having been given the opportunity on at least 3 occasions, the Minister of Defence has so far refused to say outright whether he has confidence in the head of the New Zealand Army.

National Party Leader Bill English says it is an intolerable situation.

"Considering that at this very moment when we have New Zealand troops participating in a war the Government will not say whether it has confidence in the very person directing those service people.

"Given that the Minister of Defence has no position on this important matter, the Prime Minister must come out now and tell us whether she has confidence in Major General Dodson.

"If Helen Clark can not express confidence in him in these crucial times, then the question has to be asked why is he still there," says Mr English.

Ends

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