NZ: Smith keeps nation in suspense 

NZ: Smith keeps nation in suspense

From http://onenews.nzoom.com/onenews_detail/0,1227,263647-1-8,00.html

Smith keeps nation in suspense

Mar 25, 2004


National Party MP Nick Smith says he still hasn't decided whether to resign his seat and force a by-election after being found in contempt of court.

But Smith says the support of Nelson National Party members at a meeting on Thursday night has convinced him not to quit politics.

The MP has been pondering his political future after the High Court found him in contempt for getting publicly involved in a custody dispute.

On Thursday, while Smith took legal advice on whether to appeal the High Court's finding, his electorate chairman called an emergency meeting.

"I want to talk to my supporters and get a good feel for their views about what decision I should take from here," Smith said before the meeting.

The Speaker has implied that Smith is unlikely to lose his seat, quoting advice from the Clerk of the House that if Smith was to be found in contempt of court no disqualification would follow.

Smith remains unconvinced and is considering two options - to appeal or to have a by-election.

He estimates that appealing the decision would cost him around $40,000 to $50,000.

If he resigns and forces a by-election it will cost the taxpayer around $500,000.

By-elections are costly for parties as well. Labour is unlikely to stand against Smith and argues it is totally unnecessary.

"If he were to resign and force a by-election it would be a gross waste of public money and quite unnecessary. He is not required to resign, no one is gong to force him out of parliament," says Prime Minister Helen Clark.

But within National there is a mood to go back to the voters. Colleagues worry a court appeal could effectively consume Smith up until the next election.

Smith says he would much rather the people of Nelson and not the privileges committee decide his future as an MP.

Under New Zealand's electoral law, a by-election would be held between six to seven weeks after a resignation.

Another two weeks would be needed for special votes and to confirm the result.

?? One News

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