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Police probe taping of PM's private conversation
Source: Agencies |
November 17, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
NEW Zealand Prime Minister John Key is embroiled in a dispute over his right to privacy ahead of general elections at the end of next week.
Key had been expected to have an easy re-election campaign after opinion polls put him and his National Party well ahead of rivals. But with just 10 days remaining until the election, Key yesterday walked out of a news conference in frustration after refusing to answer questions about a recording of a conservation he says was private.
"I am here to talk about trade and the economy, and I think they are the issues that matter to New Zealanders. I am not interested in engaging in the others," he said before walking out.
The recording, which has not been made public, was made by a freelance cameraman last Friday when Key met potential political ally Act Party candidate John Banks at a cafe in Auckland. Key has complained to police, alleging the recording was illegal.
But opponents claim it contains embarrassing political statements by Key and should be released.
Key's meeting with Banks began as a staged event, with media invited, but they were later asked to leave so the men could have a private conversation.
Freelancer Brad Ambrose left a cloth pouch on the table containing a recording device. He later gave the recording to the Herald on Sunday newspaper, which has not published details but has hinted it contains material which could change the way people choose to vote.
Ambrose claims he inadvertently left the device on the table in the confusion of the media scrum and hadn't intended to record the conversation.
Key and his party dispute that account. National Party campaign chairman Steven Joyce said: "There are a number of inconsistencies in the story which suggest an attempt to conceal a deliberate News of the World-type covert operation."
Police have advised media organizations they are investigating and disclosing intercepted communications was an offense.
Key had been expected to have an easy re-election campaign after opinion polls put him and his National Party well ahead of rivals. But with just 10 days remaining until the election, Key yesterday walked out of a news conference in frustration after refusing to answer questions about a recording of a conservation he says was private.
"I am here to talk about trade and the economy, and I think they are the issues that matter to New Zealanders. I am not interested in engaging in the others," he said before walking out.
The recording, which has not been made public, was made by a freelance cameraman last Friday when Key met potential political ally Act Party candidate John Banks at a cafe in Auckland. Key has complained to police, alleging the recording was illegal.
But opponents claim it contains embarrassing political statements by Key and should be released.
Key's meeting with Banks began as a staged event, with media invited, but they were later asked to leave so the men could have a private conversation.
Freelancer Brad Ambrose left a cloth pouch on the table containing a recording device. He later gave the recording to the Herald on Sunday newspaper, which has not published details but has hinted it contains material which could change the way people choose to vote.
Ambrose claims he inadvertently left the device on the table in the confusion of the media scrum and hadn't intended to record the conversation.
Key and his party dispute that account. National Party campaign chairman Steven Joyce said: "There are a number of inconsistencies in the story which suggest an attempt to conceal a deliberate News of the World-type covert operation."
Police have advised media organizations they are investigating and disclosing intercepted communications was an offense.
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