Discretion was the essential part of Vela Donations

The better part of valor is discretion, in the which better part I have saved my life.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), 'King Henry IV part I'

Well, Peters has been discreet, until found out by the NZ Herald and the Dom Post, but his fighting spirit in the face of political danger hasn't been for the better when it comes to his survival. Helen Clark's support of him is neither discreet or advantageous to her or her party.

In Parliament today Helen Clark defended Winston Peters (Video) to the hilt.

This is in spite of overwhelming evidence that Peters took secret money from Owen Glenn, spent NZ $45,000.00 of taxpayers money on his lawyer and accepted NZ$150,000.00 from the Vela Family, a wealthy family with interests in the racing and fishing industry.

Peters is the Minister for racing and gave tax breaks to the equine industry last year.

Giving backing for Peters leaves Helen Clark in a difficult position. In supporting him she has given approval for his behaviour and as he is part of the minority government it is really incumbent on her to make a move on Peters to remove him from his position.

She has done it with countless MPs over the years who have strayed from legal or moral lines and there have been many.

However, her Party relies upon Peters to support Labour's wafer thin grip on Parliament so it is unlikely she will do anything unless she has to.

It could lead to an early election if she puts Winnie's nose out of joint.

Coming on top of secret donations from Owen Glenn to Labour, revealed earlier this year, and Labour and NZ First campaigning heavily on secret donations in relation to their passing of the Electoral Finance Act, Ms Clark has a orgasm of egg all over her face given her support for her Partner in Parliament, Mr Winston Peters.


Related Political Animal Reading

Winston Peter's Glenn donation scandal: But wait, there is more!
Peter's hangs himself in February Paul Henry Interview
Peter's admits lying about Glenn donation
Winston's silence is telling
Labour gets tangled in Peter's lies
Leaked Glenn Email
Winston got secret donations from Owen Glenn

NZ Herald Link

Helen Clark defending Winston Peters in Parliament today-Video

c Political Animal 2008

Winston Peter's Glenn donation scandal: But wait theres more!

Seems the Dom Post has been digging for gold over the Winston Peters secret donations scandal as well as the NZ Herald, who kicked it all off a week ago.

The latest revelation is that Peters has received money from the Vela family, owners of large fishing and racing interests in New Zealand.

It is thought that the Vela Family could have given up to NZ$150,000.00 and it hasn't been disclosed and must be. Donations have been made in amounts under $10,000.00 so don't have to be disclosed when made separately. Again big money going to a politician who has campaigned against the National Party for doing similar things.

The donations do not appear in NZ First's annual declarations to the Electoral Commission. A clear breach of electoral law if it is true.

The Dom Post hasn't made a direct comment on the fact that Peters has had donations from a family deeply involved in the racing industry while at the same time Peters is the Minister for racing. Political Animal will. That is corruption at the highest level, even if Peters latest donations are legal.

A second revelation by the Dom Post has been that Mr Henry, Peters Lawyer, also received at least $45,000 for legal services - paid for by Parliamentary Service funds last year.

Winston has replied in typical fashion that taxpayer money has been used to pay his legal bills:

"That is a lie."

MPs Rodney Hide and Gordon Copeland have taken a breach of privilege over Peter's secret Glenn donations to the speaker of the house, Margaret Wilson, while John Key asked Winston to apologise for misleading the public, too soft for my liking, and our great leader, Helen Clark, backs Winston all the way - why wouldn't she, her party has been arse deep in the same sort of corrupt practices.

In characteristic political fashion, something he has no doubt learnt from Helen Clark, Peters is leaving the country on another bauble filled junket.

He hasn't given a press conference, as is his want, to clear things up, so will get away with commenting until he gets back.


Related Political Animal Reading

Peter's hangs himself in February Paul Henry Interview
Peter's admits lying about Glenn donation
Winston's silence is telling
Labour gets tangled in Peter's lies
Leaked Glenn Email
Winston got secret donations from Owen Glenn

c Political Animal 2008