'The idea of a speech from the throne is absurd in 1999. While Sir Michael Hardie-Boys did a fine job, it seems
ridiculous for an accomplished judge to be reading a speech on behalf of the Queen that was written by the Prime
Minister,' said Dave Guerin, president of the Republican Movement.
'This embarrassing situation is caused by archaic constitutional arrangements that have not kept up with New Zealanders'
lives. The monarchy and all its trappings do not fit with our democratic society.'
'With the millennium just around the corner, it is time to bring our state ceremonies into the 20th century at least.
The speech is simply the incoming Government's plan for the next three years, so why can't we have the Prime Minister
reading out her own plans?'
ENDS
Contact Dave Guerin on 021-404334
Web site at www.republic.org.nz