29 August 2000

Youth vote not surprising - Tanczos

Green MP Nandor Tanczos said today he was not surprised that the Youth Parliament had voted against a bill proposing instant fines for cannabis use at home.

"I would have had difficulty voting for the bill myself because it did almost nothing to address the issues" said Mr Tanczos.

"Many of the Youth MPs said in the debate that the bill did not go far enough. They are right - it gave the appearance of reform but actually would have achieved very little. I would say that a number of Youth MPs voted no on that basis."

Mr Tanczos said the debate was of a high standard, and he congratulated the Youth MPs on their thoughtful and articulate speeches.

"But I think it's also important to remember that Youth MPs are not elected by young people. They are appointed by MPs and can not be said to represent the views of young people generally."

Nandor Tanzos MP: 04 470 6716 or 025 246 5235 Gina Dempster, Press secretary: 04 470 6723 or 021 1265 289

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