Media statement For immediate release

Friday, 23 January 2004

Nandor defends dopey drivers

United Future leader Peter Dunne said today it was fascinating to watch the Pavlovian response of the Greens’ drug advocate, Nandor Tanczos, to any suggestion that the police might crack down on dope-smokers.

“The police have announced they’ll carry out trials later this year to test drivers for any evidence of impairment through taking illegal drugs - surely a sensible move to make our roads safer,” he said.

“But Mr Tanczos has immediately pounced on the idea, saying it’ll never work, the tests aren’t perfect and so on and so on.

“He reveals his true motives with the following quote:

"Drug tests currently available can only prove if someone has used cannabis at some point in the past, and there is nothing to indicate if a driver was actually impaired at the time they were stopped.

Nandor said he supported keeping impaired drivers off the road but would resist any attempts by the police to use the trial to charge people with other cannabis offences.

"I will be seeking an assurance from the Minister of Police that they will not be using this trial to conduct 'fishing expeditions' for cannabis possession," said Nandor.

“From this, we can safely conclude that Mr Tanczos’ real concern is not having dangerously drugged-up drivers threatening other people on the roads.

“He’s much more concerned that the police might detect people who have been smoking dope some time before getting in their car and who might have their stash in their possession in the car.”

Mr Dunne said it was an appalling waste of taxpayer money to fund an MP whose sole purpose in life appeared to be defending the illegal activities of people who abuse the drug laws and who feel free to drive while under the influence of drugs.

ENDS

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