Taito Phillip Field

The PM continues to deny there is anything at all wrong with the behaviour of her Minister. She is almost alone in this view, and the newspaper editorials are saying so.

The NZ Herald says:

It is apparent that he is guilty of misjudgment, both in relation to the overstayer and in his failure to tell the Associate Immigration Minister, Damien O’Connor, the full facts of the case …

But there can be no doubt that his action was, at the very least, inappropriate. People in his position cannot afford to convey even an impression of personal gain or advantage from their office. Nor should they fail to tell a minister the full circumstances of a case.

And the Dominion Post editorial says:

New Zealand has an unparalleled reputation as a corruption-free country. For the sake of that reputation and Mr Field’s own standing, the Government should order a full, independent inquiry.

Just because there is an election pending does not mean it should not do the right thing.

Again Jenny Shipley sacked a Minister in the week before the 1999 election for ethical lapses relating to immigration. Helen Clark won’t even investigate the issue. Her sole response is to defend the Minister without even finding out the facts.