Don Brash MP National Party Leader

30 April 2004

Don Brash on Tariana Turia

National Party Leader Don Brash says the resignation of Labour MP Tariana Turia was an inevitable consequence of the Government's dithering over the foreshore and seabed issue.

"Helen Clark let this drift on for far too long. The Prime Minister has had ample opportunity, and good reason to act in accordance with Cabinet rules before now.

"Labour's lack of leadership in this area has fanned Maori expectations to a point that can never be realised. "And while the Government has spent all its time unsuccessfully managing this issue, there has been a paralysis in other aspects of government.

"You'd now expect Labour's remaining Maori MPs to be moving to protect their jobs and it follows they will apply yet more pressure on Helen Clark to expand her Government's race-based agenda," says Dr Brash.

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