ACT Disgusted At Labour's Bully-Boy Tactics

ACT Deputy Leader Heather Roy today expressed disgust at revelations that the Maori Party was subjected to pressure from the Labour-led Government during the Privileges Committee process.

"The Maori Party's public statement today has given me renewed confidence in the Privileges Committee process and findings," Mrs Roy said.

"Maori Party Co-Leader Dr Pita Sharples said he was 'disappointed' over attempts to influence his Party and revealed he had 'personally had two separate phone calls from a senior Minister urging me to vote in favour of Winston, and suggesting that there would be unpleasant repercussions from Maori people if I didn't.'

"Maori Party Co-Leader Tariana Turia is disgusted at such behaviour - clearly aimed at perverting the course of justice and fair play - and I share her sentiments.

"This revelation makes an absolute mockery of Prime Minister Helen Clark and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Michael Cullen's claims of partisan committee treatment of Winston Peters.

"Labour thought it could bully the Maori Party into supporting Winston Peters' position, but under-estimated its principles. Labour protested that Parties had pre-judged Winston Peters – but it appears that it is the Labour Party itself that is guilty of unprincipled actions.

"Miss Clark claims that the election will be won on trust and calls on the public to trust her Party – those calls are hollow in the wake of today's revelations," Mrs Roy said.