26 July 2000

For Immediate Release

FACE THE NATION INTERVIEW SHOWS CLARK MISLEADING PUBLIC ABOUT TAMIHERE’S “ABSOLUTE” DISCLOSURE

The Rt Hon Winston Peters MP, Leader of New Zealand First, today said that his question to the Prime Minister in the House this afternoon was not personal but addressed a serious issue of accountability.

“The fact remains that on nation-wide television (Face the Nation 13/7/00) the Prime Minister told the country that Mr Tamihere disclosed “absolutely” – when that clearly was not the case.

“New Zealanders have a right to expect that when their Prime Minister addresses them – via the media or otherwise – that they will be told the truth. If Mr Tamihere had disclosed “absolutely” to the Prime Minister, as she stated, then why is the Prime Minister making misleading and inaccurate statements herself,” said Mr Peters.

Mr Peters said that whilst New Zealanders are tired of petty politics they do expect issues of public accountability to be taken seriously by their political leaders.

ENDS

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