Helen Clark has just held a press conference announcing she is sacking Minister of Maori Affairs Dover Samuels.
Speaking to a packed Beehive threatrette audience Miss Clark said she took no pleasure in the decision.
“In the end, what I must put first is his ability to do his job, in the light of what is happening, and will continue to
happen.”
The Prime Minister said Mr. Samuels has had every opportunity to offer his resignation but has not done so.
Parekura Horomia would be acting Minister of Maori Affairs until a replacement was appointed.
Miss Clark said the replacement would be drawn from the Maori caucus.
A full text of Miss Clark’s statement will follow shortly.