Hon Murray McCully MP 29 July 2004

Jock Hobbs for Finance Minister

"Helen Clark should stick to cuddling up with a book instead of interfering in yet another aspect of New Zealanders' lives about which she knows nothing," says National Sport, Fitness and Leisure spokesman, Murray McCully.

He is commenting on a report that quotes Prime Minister Clark as saying her Government backs a bid by Pacific Islands rugby to join the Super 12, and will discuss the issue with other leaders at the Pacific Forum in Samoa in two weeks.

"She doesn't even like rugby. After her motorcade was seen speeding to the rugby recently she freely admitted she went only because she had to and preferred cuddling up with a book.

"Yet here she is saying that at the Pacific Forum she will discuss the issue of an island team in the Super 12 and 'convey the general feeling of those discussions to the NZRU'.

"Is there anywhere this Prime Minister will not poke her nose?

"The Rugby Union has been saying for ages that there are huge logistical problems in including another team in the Super 12, and Chris Moller's comment that the only way that could happen is if the Government changes the number of weeks in the year is very telling.

"It shows you just how out of touch Helen Clark is. Having said that, this very modest Prime Minister probably thinks she would be able to arrange an extra week in the year," Mr McCully says.

"And perhaps the Rugby Union might like to reciprocate by getting Jock Hobbs to knock out next year's Budget."

ENDS

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