26 July 2000
For Immediate Release
FACE THE NATION INTERVIEW SHOWS CLARK MISLEADING PUBLIC ABOUT TAMIHERE’S “ABSOLUTE” DISCLOSURE
The Rt Hon Winston Peters MP, Leader of New Zealand First, today said that his question to the Prime Minister in the
House this afternoon was not personal but addressed a serious issue of accountability.
“The fact remains that on nation-wide television (Face the Nation 13/7/00) the Prime Minister told the country that Mr
Tamihere disclosed “absolutely” – when that clearly was not the case.
“New Zealanders have a right to expect that when their Prime Minister addresses them – via the media or otherwise – that
they will be told the truth. If Mr Tamihere had disclosed “absolutely” to the Prime Minister, as she stated, then why is
the Prime Minister making misleading and inaccurate statements herself,” said Mr Peters.
Mr Peters said that whilst New Zealanders are tired of petty politics they do expect issues of public accountability to
be taken seriously by their political leaders.
ENDS