National need to withdraw Clarkson's Endorsement

Blue Chip Directors Should Pay Their Bills

Muliaga family spokesperson Brenden Sheehan has called on National to withdraw their endorsement for Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson after he was ejected from Parliament last week for repeatedly suggesting that the family of Folole Muliaga should have paid their power bill before she died.

Mr Clarkson was ejected after calling out 'pay the bill, pay the bill' during a speech giving parliament powers to regulate electricity companies if they do not comply with guidelines introduced after Folole Muliaga's death.

Mr Sheehan said the actions of Mr Clarkson were 'reprehensible' and that he had 'not only insulted the Muliaga family but the whole Pacific Island and South Auckland communities'.

'It is clear that this multi-millionaire who owns nine houses has no understanding of the difficulties faced by many New Zealanders' said Mr Sheehan. 'Worse still, he seems to find it amusing to throw abuse at a struggling family who have lost their beloved wife and mother'.

'If John Key is serious about connecting with our communities he needs to take decisive action and distance his party from the actions of Mr Clarkson. The simple way for this to occur for his endorsement as a National candidate to be withdrawn, effective immediately'

Mr Sheehan also questioned why Bob Clarkson had not spoken out about the debts owed by the collapsed Blue Chip group of companies with which he has had a number of business dealings.

'While he is happy to attack the Muliagas, Mr Clarkson is strangely silent about his business mates from Blue Chip who haven't offered to repay a cent of the millions owed to the many New Zealanders who lost their life savings when that company collapsed.

'These people continue to live in million dollar mansions and drive luxury cars while the Muliaga's struggle week to week living in a state house. Perhaps Mr Clarkson's energies would be better spent calling on his mates to pay their bills - I'm sure thousand of Kiwi investors would greatly appreciate it'.

ENDS

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