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Archived Press Releases 2009 7th August 2009

DAVID "FIREBRAND" GARRETT – VERSUS – "GRAB-A-HEADLINE" COSGROVE

(7th August 2009)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust says the latest spat between ACT MP David Garrett and Labour's Clayton Cosgrove shows just how desperate Labour is to get in the news.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said that he had spoken to Garrett and was convinced that Labour was trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. "This is a clear indication of how desperate they are to get in the news."

"With their poor ratings in the polls it would appear that the call has gone out to Labour MPs to grab-a-headline at every opportunity."

"David Garrett is a target because he stands for everything Labour opposes. The Labour Government had 9 years to make a stand against violent crime and totally failed, the National/ACT Government did more in its first 100 days than Labour in 9 years."

"David Garrett is part of a Government that is listening to what the public want."

"New Zealanders do not want violent criminals continually recycled and put back on the streets. David Garrett’s Three-Strikes Bill – if National has the spine to back it – will remove the repeat violent offenders from society."

"Of course Labour are upset."

"They reduced Parole to 1/3, National/ ACT are putting Parole up to 2/3rds and repeat offenders will serve their full sentences."

"Labour proposed a Sentencing Council to reduce sentences; National/ACT got rid of it."

"Labour tried to deny Victims the right to attend parole hearings; National/ACT are increasing the Rights of Victims."

"And the best Labour can do is lay a malicious complaint against a man who has instigated and fought for many of these policies."

"David Garrett may be a "firebrand" but he has done more for Law and Order in this country than any other MP in the last half century."

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.