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