Don Brash MP National Party Leader

04 December 2003

Justice for Shane, what about Nick?

National Party Leader Don Brash is delighted that justice has finally prevailed in the case of tractor-driving Taranaki/King Country MP Shane Ardern.

"Shane Ardern was only doing his job, standing up for his rural constituents," says Dr Brash.

"But there are many important questions that need to be answered about why the case got as far as it did.

"The police prosecutor admitted he was acting on instructions from 'higher up' while the judge speculated about other agendas being at work.

"The National Party is deeply suspicious about the motives for the prosecution and we plan to probe the Government and the police for answers," says Dr Brash.

"The failed prosecution has taken a toll on Mr Ardern both financially and personally.

"It has served to erode public confidence in both the Government and the Police and it's important no stone is left unturned in the search for the truth," Dr Brash says. "Mr Ardern's case has been a victory for hard-working MPs prepared to fight for their constituents.

"Perhaps the time is right for the authorities to give Nick Smith an early Christmas present and review the contempt of court charge laid against him," says Dr Brash.

Ends

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