Richard Worth MP National Party Justice Spokesman

13 February 2004

Corngate judge must declare his political colours

National Party Justice spokesman Richard Worth says the High Court Judge who eventually backed Helen Clark's case against TV 3 must declare his political colours.

It has been reported today that Judge Ron Young is a former Labour Party activist who picked himself to hear the case.

"This is a matter which clearly warrants further investigation. The integrity of our court system is being questioned," says Mr Worth.

"First, Judge Young should confirm or deny that he was a campaign manager for Labour MP Bill Dillon.

"He must then explain to the public why he thought it was appropriate to hear this case. He should also tell us whether he revealed his Labour Party background to lawyers for TV Three.

"It's concerning that reports today suggest Judge Young was 'totally committed to the Labour movement' and a person who appeared to prefer state broadcasting.

"Former Hamilton Mayor Margaret Evans is also reported as saying he was chairman of the Hamilton East electorate committee and she was 'surprised' when he took the 'Corngate' case because of his background.

"Judge Young now has little choice but to respond to these allegations in the interests of protecting judicial integrity," says Mr Worth.

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