Phil Goff should stop playing politics with New Zealand Cricket

Rodney Hide Thursday, 14 July 2005

Press Releases - Foreign Affairs

ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff should stop playing fast and loose with New Zealand Cricket in an attempt to try and score political points.

“His public musings on whether the Government will or won’t interfere in the tour of Zimbabwe has kept the cricketers on a roller coaster and has put New Zealand Cricket under huge financial pressure.

“There should be no doubt that New Zealanders oppose Mugabe’s tyrannical regime.

“There should also be no doubt that New Zealanders are free to travel where they choose and to play sport with who they choose. The decision to tour Zimbabwe is the right of New Zealand Cricket - not Phil Goff.

"There are plenty of political forums for Phil Goff to voice his opposition to Mugabe. He should leave New Zealand Cricket out of it.

"Phil Goff’s Hamlet act has done no damage to Mugabe or his regime - but it’s done enormous damage to New Zealand Cricket.

"Phil Goff has set out actively to sabotage New Zealand Cricket’s tour of Zimbabwe and then has the gall to lecture New Zealand Cricket on ethics. Phil Goff is a disgrace. He should be ashamed of himself," Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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