Murray McCully MP
National Party Foreign Affairs Spokesman

30 November 2005

Missed opportunity to advance NZ’s cause

National Party Foreign Affairs spokesman Murray McCully says Helen Clark’s governing arrangements are a distraction to the serious business that should be on the agenda in Brussels.

“If Parliamentarians from the home of MMP need to ask Helen Clark to explain how you can have a Minister of Foreign Affairs who is not part of the government and sits outside Cabinet, it speaks volumes about the confusion the arrangements are causing.

“In several areas of the Foreign Affairs portfolio, New Zealand is now seen to have different policies depending on who you’re talking to. It’s not surprising key figures abroad are confused.

“The reason we send representatives on these sorts of international missions is not just to enjoy the First Class travel, but to advance New Zealand’s case for trade and explore new business opportunities.

“Helen Clark is doing the country a great disservice.

“Instead of pursuing an agenda with a New Zealand focus, she is being forced to explain her bizarre governing arrangements. Surely we should be putting our best foot forward with a consistent, coherent message,” says Mr McCully.

ENDS

© Scoop Media