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Archived Press Releases 2005 19th August 2005

Justice Watchdog calls for PM’s resignation

(19th August 2005)

New Zealand’s largest Criminal Justice watchdog organization has called for the Prime Minister's immediate resignation, saying she has failed the people, failed Parliament and failed the Police.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust says the failure of the Prime Minister to take any responsibility for the speeding motorcade debacle is an absolute disgrace and the flow on effects will erode any vestige of confidence New Zealanders have in the integrity and honesty of our political system.

Trust spokesman Garth McVicar said the Sensible Sentencing Trust had built its reputation promoting accountability and responsibility at all levels of society, "We would be failing our supporters now if we allowed the PM to shirk her responsibility and allow the Police to be the fall guys and made scapegoats of."

“This is not just about the "motorcade" anymore, the Prime Minister's complete denial of any responsibility means the issue is now about honesty, integrity and just plain old fashioned decency."

"Whether the PM knew of the speed or not is irrelevant, the facts of the matter are that the motorcade was speeding to get the PM to her destination on time. When the whole thing turned to custard the honourable thing would have been to accept responsibility."

"Parliament is supreme; the PM would not have been charged, as it stands we now have good police with criminal convictions for simply doing their job."

Mr McVicar said that with the Election looming it is difficult to see how Helen Clarke could now stand before the nation and sincerely campaign on honesty and integrity.

"The PM is the boss of the highest Court in the land, we expect our Judges to conform to societies standards, we don’t believe it is asking too much of the Prime Minister to do the same."

"The Sensible Sentencing Trust believes the leader of our Country has been found sadly wanting on this occasion, her silence on this matter speaks for itself."

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.