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Parliament's perkbuster has made an emotional apology for using taxpayers' money to take his partner on holiday and work trips.
After dodging the media for days, Rodney Hide finally fronted up on Sunday afternoon and answered questions about his behaviour.
"I want to apologise to the public of New Zealand, I want to apologise to my colleagues," the Local Government Minister says.
"I have made mistakes. I have shown poor judgement."
Hide had insisted he had done nothing wrong, but has now moved to put an end to the continuing scrutiny of his use of travel perks.
He says he accepts that he has failed to live up to the important principle that politicians should always remember that they are spending taxpayers' money, and therefore must spend it carefully.
"I can understand hardworking Kiwis being appalled at taking a trip at their expense," he says.
"I stuffed up ... it's hard to admit I stuffed up."
Although no rules were broken, Hide's actions have caused him damage and the move to cauterise the political wound has come after a string of embarrassing revelations:
- That he took his partner Louise Crome to Hawaii for a mid-winter tropical break at a combined cost of $10,000 to the taxpayer.
- That he also took her with him on a work trip to the United Kingdom and on to the United States at a cost of $12,000.
- The trip was timed to fit in with her brother's wedding and the couple also indulged in a stopover at an LA fun park.
- Backstabbing his colleagues and suggesting his boss John Key was also not helpful.
But the Prime Minister continues to back the Act leader.
"The vast bulk of people who come into parliament have Type A personalities so they are going to promote themselves and it's not unique to Rodney Hide. It's right across probably 120 MPs so everyone thinks they make the biggest contribution to parliament, that's just the way it is," says Key.
The admission that he has made the biggest mistake of his
political career is a big come-down for one of parliament's biggest
personalities and Hide has vowed to never again use taxpayers'
money for any overseas holidays.
What do you think of Rodney Hide's apology? Share your thoughts on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentcornflower said on 2009-11-09 @ 10:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
The hypocrisy of Hide defies belief.
lizblack said on 2009-11-09 @ 09:00 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree with Adam that a law change is needed. MP's MUST practise what they preach. It's sad that Rodney Hyde has only changed his mind over misuse of funding because of public outcry. Taxes are not paid to pay for indulgences.
dancingqueen said on 2009-11-09 @ 05:18 NZDT: Report abusive post
OK! while your arranging for Rodney's neck. Sack Chris Carter the little pansy, who was every bit as bad swanning around with his boyfriend, at the Tax Payers costs. He is hopeless case. I would like to see him gone by lunch time.
santa0007 said on 2009-11-09 @ 04:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
Bring back Winston Peters, Many towns & cities could do with his expertise than these guys. Maori things for Maori people,simple really, the Govt has all the marbles, nothing wrong with playing with them.
peteredw said on 2009-11-08 @ 20:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
Good on you, Rodney, for admitting you did wrong. We all do the thing at times and it takes 'guts' to admit our wrongdoing. I accept your apology and will continue to give ACT my Party Vote in elections.