Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party Deputy Leader
05 August 2005
PM's story falls apart
National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee says Helen Clark’s story on her high-speed convoy through the South Island
has fallen apart.
“Nobody believed it before, now it’s looking even more shonky after the evidence heard in court today.”
Mr Brownlee is commenting after a police driver said he looked back and saw the Prime Minister looking ahead in his
direction. The witness also said she appeared to be aware of what was going on around her, and that he couldn’t recall
seeing her engrossed in paperwork.
“Helen Clark’s entire story has been shot to bits.
“Any ordinary New Zealander who refuses to be questioned by police then refuses to give evidence in court would be put
behind bars.
“All New Zealanders deserve to know why Helen Clark is different?
“If it’s good enough for Jim Sutton, her staff, and the police, why has Helen Clark been excused a court appearance?
“The Prime Minister had it within her power to take responsibility and save her minders from charges and a potential
conviction. Instead, she is prepared to let them take the rap for doing what they believed was their job.
“This whole episode yet again smacks of the Prime Minster’s superior and above-the-law attitude,” says Mr Brownlee.
ENDS