The Republic of New Zealand Party

Republic of New Zealand Party Chairman Dave Llewell, today applauded the contribution of former Prime Minister Mike Moore, who has added his voice in opposition to the ridiculous government arrangement, around our Foreign Minister.

“He brings an important message from outside the goldfish bowl, as an international observer of our domestic politics, and a purveyor of the flavour of international opinion toward our domestic politics.”

He rightly observes one of the downsides of MMP, and that is that 5% politicians will often put self interest above national interest.  That may be acceptable when small parties are representing a minority opinion, but it should not be accepted as a matter of political convenience from parties who form part of the Government.

“We should also note that Helen Clark’s own self interest in what has become an unconstitutional arrangement between Government and our Foreign Minister, shows that she really is a fair weather prime minister and one who cannot make the tough calls when it counts,” says Mr Llewell.

If we are going to electioneer our way through this ridiculous regulated period, what might be a tragedy for us is going to be a comedy to many international observers, concludes Mr Lewell.