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Jamie Simpson Chairman
New Zealand Young Nationals

04 December 2003

Young Nats celebrate success in "Free Shane Ardern" campaign

New Zealand Young Nationals Chairman Jamie Simpson applauded today's decision to withdraw the charge of disorderly conduct against Taranaki/King Country MP Shane Ardern.

"The case was totally without merit and stunk of political interference.

"Shane Ardern should be congratulated for standing up for ordinary New Zealanders - in this case the agricultural sector, vital to the New Zealand economy and way of life.

"Shane was paying the price for being successful in fighting the Labour/Anderton Government's policy of creeping socialism. In a democracy Shane's actions should be applauded but under the Clark-regime he was prosecuted.

"New Zealanders are proud of their ability and right to protest outside Parliament. Common sense has finally prevailed over political interference.

"The Government received substantial criticism over the proposed FART tax, forcing an embarrassing u-turn. Helen Clark should take the hint that New Zealanders will not be silenced in the fight to expose this Government's incompetence," says Jamie Simpson.

Ends

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