Shane Ardern MP National Party Associate Agriculture Spokesman

4 December 2003

Victory For Common Sense

Tractor driving Taranaki-King Country MP Shane Ardern is relieved the disorderly conduct charge against him has finally been withdrawn.

"It's great that common sense has finally prevailed," he says.

"The Judge was very clear in his statements on the 25th November that this case should never have come before the Courts and that it was a waste of time and resource. However the Police Prosecutor on instructions from 'higher up' reluctantly insisted that the case proceed.

"What this case has taught me is just how far this Government is prepared to go to persecute those who dare to challenge their political agenda.

"This vindictive attack has exposed the Labour Government's double standards to all New Zealanders," says Mr Ardern.

"It has cost me financially and caused a great deal of personal anguish.

"But today's decision has been a victory for Members of Parliament who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in and refuse to be intimidated when fighting for their constituents.

"I was standing up for the rural community and I'll continue standing up to the bullies on behalf of those that I work for," Mr Ardern says.

Ends

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