Gerry Brownlee
National Party Deputy Leader
19 August 2005
Motorcade: Clark hangs cops, driver out to dry
National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee says Helen Clark has left three men with the scar of criminal conviction
because she wanted a fast trip to a rugby match.
“Helen Clark should have taken responsibility for the speeding motorcade and saved three of her minders from criminal
conviction and another three from the rigmarole of a criminal trial.
“It is completely within the powers of the Prime Minister to exceed the speed limit if she is on public business. But
instead of taking responsibility, Helen Clark sat back and put the careers of five police officers and her driver on the
line by letting them take the rap.
“Helen Clark has hung these men out to dry for doing what they believed was their job.
“She has been totally reckless in exercising her responsibility as Prime Minister. These men should not face the scar of
criminal conviction because she is too gutless to front up and admit responsibility.
“In the past year Helen Clark has given contradictory accounts of the journey, fabricated a totally unbelievable story
and refused to give evidence in court. In the eyes of the law she may have got away with it but the court of public
opinion will not be so tolerant,” says Mr Brownlee.
ENDS