3 July 2013

PM’s lack of transparency as he tries to dodge SkyCity questions

Prime Minister John Key’s move to dodge questions about the SkyCity pokies deal today was a failed attempt to distance himself from a deal that’s growing more unpopular with Aucklanders every day, the Green Party says.

The Prime Minister today transferred a question, directed to him from Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei, to his Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce, even though the question asked Mr Key if he stood by his own comments in relation to the pokies deal.

“This ridiculous ducking for cover backfired because I was able to attach my questions to Labour leader David Shearer’s instead,” Mrs Turei said.

“But it would be very concerning if this indicates how the Prime Minster is planning to deal with all questions about the pokies deal in the future.

“What he was really doing was trying to deny New Zealanders answers to legitimate questions about his involvement in the casino deal.

“What’s deeply ironic is that my question asked him to stand by his statement that the Government was being “very transparent about all its dealings with SkyCity”.

“Obviously, it doesn’t look good to have the Prime Minister donkey deep in such an unpopular plan to expand the SkyCity empire at the expense of Aucklanders and their families.

“But if the Prime Minister is worried that people don’t like his dirty pokies deal then he should do the right thing and take it off the table before Aucklanders get saddled with a huge gambling den for the next 35 years,” Mrs Turei said.

ENDS

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