GERRY BROWNLEE
MP FOR ILAM

For the past two years Labour leader Helen Clark has given Phil Goff free rein to talk tough on law and order, knowing he'd be pulled up short by his caucus colleagues when it came to the crunch.

"And that's what caused Mr Goff's hysteria in the House yesterday, " said Gerry Brownlee, Junior Government Whip.

"It must be frustrating to have to back down after two years, and be forced to go along with the 'soft-on-crime' Labour party line."
Mr Brownlee said while it was cruel of Helen Clark to let Mr Goff think he was allowed to get tough on criminals, yesterday's rabid display in the House was unbecoming.

"I'm sure Mr Goff's angry with his leader over this because it makes him look stupid. But he's been with Labour long enough to know their position on crime is about as tough as cotton-wool. Being whipped into supporting this bill is the latest in a series of disappointements that Mr Goff has had to face."

ENDS

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