Field Needs To Consider Future - PM on Agenda

Prime Minister Helen Clark believes people can see the direction the Philip Field affair is going in.

Speaking on TVOne’s “Agenda” today and referring to the Engineers’ Printing and Manufacturing Union call for him to step down she said: “There's been very clear statements about the need to consider the future from the major affiliate of the Labour Party which carries significant influence.

“I think people can see the direction it's going in but right now the Police must do their job and quite a lot will hang on that.”

When asked by presenter Lisa Owen how long the Government could afford to hold on to the MP, she replied: ““I think I’ve made it pretty clear that Philip Field needs to consider his future. There's some issues to be worked through in Mangere.”

Get Rid Of Problem MPs And Win Elections

The key to surviving in public office is to get rid of problem MPs as quickly as possible, according to Queensland Premier Peter Beattie.

The Labor leader is in New Zealand to attend the New Zealand Labour Party conference in Rotorua, and spoke on Agenda of how he dealt with the crises of his own horror third term.

“Any government that’s in office a reasonable period of time … you’ll have your bumps, it’s whether you’re the best government to continue to govern for the constituency you serve.

“If people don’t tow the line of the principles and standards we set, they go.”

Mr Beattie faced crises in the state’s health system and water supply, as well as several maverick MPs. Including one who took alcohol into an Aboriginal dry zone.

As his Kiwi counterparts look to distance themselves from their own problem children, the Premier stressed that quick, decisive action was the only answer.

“If they break the rules, absolutely, and I’ve got a track record of getting rid of people who don’t.

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