• Full Story

Harawira should just get on with it, says Key

Print

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:01a.m.

Mana Party leader Hone Harawira (file)

Mana Party leader Hone Harawira (file)

Mana Party leader Hone Harawira should stop playing games and sign parliament's oath of allegiance like all the other MPs, Prime Minister John Key says.

Mr Harawira says he's still considering how he'll respond when he's called on to swear allegiance to the Queen on Tuesday, and he's been in trouble over it before.

After winning the Te Tai Tokerau by-election earlier this year he made up his own oath and swore allegiance to the Treaty of Waitangi.

Speaker Lockwood Smith ordered him to leave the debating chamber, and he came back the following week to do it properly.

"I'm not sure how I'll respond when I'm called upon the give the oath," he said.

"But rest assured I will pledge allegiance to the things that matter."

Mr Key says Mr Harawira is playing games.

"I think he does it to grandstand, not because he genuinely doesn't support the constitutional monarchy we have," Mr Key said.

"Hone Harawira is notorious for playing games, he should get on with it like every other MP."

The swearing in ceremony begins at 11am, conducted by Clerk of Parliament Mary Harris.

Dr Smith will be elected Speaker for a second term after MPs have been sworn in."

NZN

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

20 Dec 2011 12:59p.m.

Peter wrote:

Dead right John. Unfortunately with this MMP system there's too many illiterate deadbeats like Hariwera screwing this country and the taxpayer.

20 Dec 2011 11:50a.m.

Keith McMillan wrote:

It's time for John Hadfield to grow up

20 Dec 2011 10:39a.m.

Mike wrote:

If he again plays games, kick him out for a longer period. We really don't need him as the voting showed. Really nothing to write home about when you get 1% of the vote.

20 Dec 2011 10:21a.m.

Bruce wrote:

Key wants Hone to suddenly get serious and represent his constituents in a dignified manner as befitting his office, rather than grandstand? Better get used to the fact that he is there for one person.