Dunne: Govt absence an insult to victims' families

United Future leader Peter Dunne today slammed the Government for its callous indifference to the families of 10 murder victims after it was represented by a solitary MP at a Sensible Sentencing Trust presentation in the Beehive.

"It really makes you wonder just where this Government's priorities are that it sees fit to insult the courageous families of these murder victims who have come from all corners of the country to bare their souls, and share their pain, in the hope of making a difference," Mr Dunne said.

Tim Barnett was the sole Labour MP present - much to the disappointment of a number of those who addressed the gathering.

"I certainly share in their disappointment. As a party leader and an MP, I was embarrassed to see the disregard with which these people were treated.

"I guess the Government has more important things to deal with than securing justice for murder victims and their families.

"Things like civil unions, making lesbians dads and guaranteeing that no one anywhere will ever be able to smoke a cigarette."

National was represented by two MPs.

"I guess when Bill and Maurice sort out their differences, they might be able to give the average Kiwi a thought," Mr Dunne said.

Seven of the eight United Future MPs attended the presentation. The eighth had a prior appointment.

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