Another secret recording surfaces

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Another secret recording surfaces

3News NZ

Bill English caught on tape again

Bill English caught on tape again

3 News has been sent another secret recording of Bill English in which National's deputy leader talks about the war in Iraq and says he is worried about Barack Obama - the man the polls are picking as the next president of the United States.

The piece of tape is a continuation of the secret recordings that were taken at National's August conference - National won't engage on the content of the tape - and it's blaming Labour for what it is calling a recycled dirty tricks campaign.

The recording is clearly designed to derail John Key's own election campaign and comes form the same person who has leaked previous tapes to 3 News.
Bill English has already apologised for being caught on tape saying he'd like to eventually sell Kiwibank.

Now there's another secret recording - again leaked exclusively to Three News, from the cocktail party at National's August Conference.

This time English appears to lament the moralistic view presidential hopeful Barack Obama and others take on international relations and war - saying someone needs to be prepared to pull the trigger.

John Key says he's not concerned about the comments.

“I'm not going to dignify dirty desperate behaviour.”

National argues there was no context to the comments but English would not talk to 3 News about his comments.

But Helen Clark says it shows National would have sent troops to Iraq - and to future wars.

Clark says the comments around Obama are particularly unfortunate and could have implications in Washington should he be elected tomorrow.

Obama has indicated he will withdraw troops from the war in Iraq.

But John Key is less concerned about the impact.

“I don't think so - whoever the president is, I will develop a relationship with them,” Key said.

National says Labour is behind what it is calling a continuation of a dirty tricks campaign.

Clark denies knowing who is behind it.

But National is adamant Labour knows more than it's letting on.

The source has already said he is not a Labour Party member, though National believe those around him are linked to the Labour Party.

It is understood there are more tapes to come, but no more recordings of Bill English.

The handing over of this recording has created some concern within 3 News.

The editorial view inside 3 News is that the company is being used to some extent by someone who obviously has it in for National and that the closer the election gets, the more serious the impact could be from the release of this tape and any others.

3 News political reporter Duncan Garner says it is not 3 News’ job to censor the news.

“If we didn't report it we would be failing in our duty…all 3 News can do is broadcast the material and be as balanced and as careful about it as possible,” he said.

3 News
More on the latest secret tape:

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Comments

6/11/2008 2:49:14 p.m.

Alex wrote:

"What I can't understand is, if I wish to record a conversation with one of my employees, I am obliged, by law, to advise them of that fact."

An employer/employee relationship is different and has those rules in place.

6/11/2008 10:14:19 a.m.

Dave wrote:

What I can't understand is, if I wish to record a conversation with one of my employees, I am obliged, by law, to advise them of that fact.
Why the difference here ?.

5/11/2008 9:07:05 p.m.

Alex wrote:

"If anyone has smeared themselves it's Labour for using these tactics which most people are not interested in."

Except...except there's no evidence the Labour Party is involved! And there's no way a party can control what their supporters or friends or acquiantances of supporters do. That's just stupid.

You are absolutely ridiculous Glenn. I can't believe it.

5/11/2008 6:39:44 p.m.

Derrick wrote:

Does nobody see the pious attitude of TV3's Duncan Garner as somewhat inconsistent with the last election. Last time TV3 crucified the source of smear tactic (ie Exclusive Brethren) and this year they are spreading the "smear" without telling us the source. Surely this is critical to a well, informed electorate. Knowing the source of the tapes would clarify once and for all if the Labour party is involved. This is far
more important than the contents of the tape.

5/11/2008 3:15:41 p.m.

Glenn wrote:

Alex, I guess it's a bit like you saying "Labour have not been running a desperate smear campaign". You continue to deny it but it's that damn obvious. If anyone has smeared themselves it's Labour for using these tactics which most people are not interested in.

5/11/2008 2:17:18 p.m.

Brit wrote:

There is no more proof that this was leaked Labour than it is by gremlins. That said, with all the dishonest dirt (and “dirty desperate behavior”) that National and supporters have used against Labour and Greens (the Exclusive Brethren smear campaign, if Hollow Men is to be believed – and there is no reason to doubt it, and the report on Clark’s “Gay” husband)

…why is a “secret tape” that is likely true – and never denied by National, called despicable? The answer is - to divert attention from a party that will try to come to power on a pack of lies.

5/11/2008 1:21:06 p.m.

Alex wrote:

"Labour MP's must be that dumb to think these type of smear tactics"

National is smearing itself. Their MPs have actually said these things. That is not dirty or a smear. They actually said this. They actually believe this. And for some reason you'd rather not know. Ignorance is bliss?

5/11/2008 12:54:22 p.m.

Glenn wrote:

"tapes like this are essential."

Tapes prove nothing just like your ramblings. So Mike Williamson is not part of Labour then? How can they have nothing to do with it when it was him that went to Aust to 'dig the dirt', not the Herald as you try to point out.

Point is, there is no proof, and National are doing the right thing by not commenting. Why comment on another parties desperate tactics to stay in power?, let's face it, that's what it is. What ever happened to the good old ways of the election process, oh hang on, that's exactly what National are doing, not stooping to Labours pathetic low level.

5/11/2008 11:40:36 a.m.

Guy Smiley wrote:

Glenn: it is English, as the National party would deny it if it wasn't. Secondly, it wasn't Labour that made the h-fee allegations, it was the NZ Herald - turns out they'd jumped the gun as nothing came from it. It is doubtful Labour would have brought it up, knowing this. Thirdly, when National won't tell us what they really stand for, tapes like this are essential.

5/11/2008 10:28:04 a.m.

Glenn wrote:

What a load of rubbish. There is not proof of what question was asked and there is no proof that it is actually Bill English.

Labour have shown us once again that when it's not going their way then they will stoop to a new low.

Makes you wonder if it is not a set up, think about it their last allegation about John Key was a big let down for them and now suddenly this.

Labour MP's must be that dumb to think these type of smear tactics will ultimately help them win, from what I have heard from most people is that they are sick and tired of it, do we really want these children running our country again??