14 April 2002
For the Prime Minister to pass off a painting as her own work is a serious issue especially for someone who has
campaigned on the honesty platform, says National Party Leader Bill English.
"I can understand why the owner of the painting is aggrieved and why he says it's a fraud. Her excuse that politicians
do this all the time is complete rubbish. Helen Clark should take responsibility for her own behaviour, rather than
blame others.
"One of the most important values you are taught as a child is not to cheat. What are parents expected to tell their
children now when we have
no lesser person than the Prime Minister saying it is alright.
"New Zealanders have a right to take a Prime Minister at her word and I can understand that many people will feel let
down by Helen Clark's action.
"New Zealanders will have little sympathy when she says she was dishonest because she was too busy. There are many
people holding down several jobs and running a family who are also busy but they don't cheat.
"The position of Prime Minister is that of a role model. People do look
at how the holder of the office behaves. In this case Helen Clark has been publicly dishonest. If she wants to
re-establish the credibility of the office she will need to do better than her bad tempered apology," says Mr English.
Ends