10 December 2008

National brother listens to Green message in maiden speech

In a rare, possibly unprecedented, moment, a former National cabinet minister will sit in the House to listen to a fraternal message from his Green Party brother.

Christchurch-based Green Party list MP Dr Kennedy Graham, who was sworn-in to the 49th Parliament on Monday, will deliver his maiden speech at 5.45 pm on Wednesday 10 December.

Seated in the Chamber, next to the Speaker, will be Dr Graham's elder brother the Rt Hon Sir Douglas Graham, member of the 41st through 45th Parliaments, and former cabinet minister for Waitangi treaty negotiations.

"It is an honour to have my brother present in the House on such an important occasion for me," Dr Graham says.

"Doug and I have always been extremely close as brothers, and our membership of different political parties simply reflects a healthy difference of view - one that has long been debated at family gatherings over the years.

"I respect his points of view, as I believe he does mine, and there is, in fact, much in common in terms of our liberal and internationalist world-views. I shall be interested in his reaction to my maiden speech, and I look forward to his advice on parliamentary life over the next three years."

ENDS

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