Dover Samuels, should receive at least a public apology from Richard Prebble, now that he has been cleared of serious sex allegations, said the New Zealand First Leader, Winston Peters.

“Mr Prebble’s muckraking has cost this MP his cabinet post and a fortune in legal bills as well as causing considerable personal anguish to the entire Samuels family and their close associates.

“The ACT Leader sparked off a chain of events that almost destroyed an individual and he has not had the decency to do anything in reparation – despite his earlier claim that he was Mr Samuels’ friend.

“This whole sorry affair reflects very badly on Mr Prebble and he should make a personal statement in the House as soon as possible to say that he is sorry for the trouble he has caused.”

Mr Peters also questioned whether Mr Samuels should have to bear the entire legal cost of clearing his name when he had, in fact, done nothing illegal.

“Perhaps Mr Prebble could work out some arrangement with his former Labour colleagues over these costs and they could make some contribution towards them.

“Mr Samuels himself might consider taking them to court to recover some of his costs,” said Mr Peters.

Ends

© Scoop Media