TV1 News

Dyson Quits - Race Relations Office - Halloween Backlash

- DYSON QUITS: Labour MP Ruth Dyson quit her ministerial portfolios today after she was caught with excess breath alcohol early this morning. Only last week the associate ACC minister called Wellington Lions captain Norm Hewitt irresponsible for playing on with a broken arm in the NPC final. The Prime Minister accepted the resignation with regret and said she did not rule out a return to cabinet for Ms Dyson in the future. Police sources say Ms Dyson was almost twice the legal limit. She had been drinking wine while working late at Parliament. Ms Dyson’s decision to stand down has been applauded from all sides of the house, but some in opposition have criticised the Prime Minister for leaving the door open for her to return to cabinet. Townsfolk in Ms Dyson’s electorate of Bank’s Peninsula have been predominantly supportive of their MP. The resignation leaves several vacant portfolios. The duties will be divided between other Cabinet Ministers.

- RACE RELATIONS OFFICE: There have been warnings the Government would be unwise to disband the Race Relations Office, after a report was released recommending amalgamating the Race Relations Office with the Human Rights Commission. Members of the opposition have said the Race Relations Office is doomed, after Race Relations Conciliator Rajen Prasad criticised the Government’s use of Treaty of Waitangi Clauses in legislation.

- HALLOWEEN BACKLASH: A backlash has begun against the growing popularity of Halloween. Over 500 Rotorua residents have declared their houses Halloween free zones, putting up anti-jack-o-lantern signs.

© Scoop Media