Minister's Meeting Fosters Intimidation

Wednesday 7 Aug 2002

Michael Cullen incited future law-breaking by agreeing to meet Tu Wylie's taua today, ACT Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks said.

"Mr Wyllie's mob broke the terms of the well-meaning but foolish deal that allowed their tent to go up in the first place. That should have been the end of discussion with them.

"The Minister of Finance claims to be "a rather firm believer in the rule of the law", and says he is "not impressed by threats of war and violence and intimidation" - then he meekly meets the perpetrators.

"Long and bitter experience has taught industrial representatives not to reward illegal stoppages by negotiating while law-breaking continues. Every parent knows that trying to bribe a child in a tantrum just encourages future tantrums.

"If Michael Cullen really was determined to uphold the rule of law, there would now be no question of giving in to Ngai Tamanuhiri. They had four years to buy the property. It seems they want Young Nick's Head without paying for it. By their conduct they should have ruled out any chance of success," Mr Franks said.

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