29 July 2002
Mallard Must Go: Peters
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has called on Trevor Mallard to follow the honourable examples of rugby chiefs
McCaw and Rutherford and resign as Minister of Sport.
“McCaw and Rutherford have gone in the interests of mending New Zealand’s international relations. Heineken Mallard
should follow suit. The Eichelbaum report made it clear that the breakdown in relationships was the reason that New
Zealand lost out to co-host the Rugby World Cup and Mr Mallard made matters worse by his disgusting suggestion about
beer bottles and the IRB chairman Vernon Pugh.
“If he has not got the personal character to take this action then the PM should make that decision for him when she
forms her new cabinet and show him the red card. We need someone with tact and understanding for this critical
appointment”, said Mr Peters.
ENDS