M.P. says remarks those of poor loser

Press, 22 September 1987, Page 6

M.P. says remarks those of poor loser

The member of Parliament for Fendalton, Mr Philip Burdon, has accused the Fendalton Labour Electorate Committee of continuing sour grapes over the result of the General Election last i« month. inr-Mr Burdon yesterday replied to the Fendalton Labour Electorate Committee’s remarks published last week that claimed the Riccarton Borough Council’s August newsletter contained National Party political campaign material. The Labour group claimed the newsletter carried material support-

ing the National Party’s attitude towards the Local Government Commission and the issue of forced amalgamations. The Mayor of Riccarton, Mr Dick Harrington, has denied the claim. Mr Burdon said it was time the labour electorate committee analysed more carefully the reasons why it lost in Fendalton. “Fendalton had by far the smallest swing to Labour of any metropolitan seat. They ran a poor campaign,” Mr Burdon said. “In my political career, I have never come across such a succession of poor-

loser comments as we have had from the Fendalton branch of the Labour Party. 5 “The National Party organisation in Fendalton performed particularly well in the face of an anti-National swing in metropolitan New Zealand.

“I hope they will accept that the election is now over and just as we accept that Labour won the national election so they should accept that I am the member of Parliament and that it is my job to work for all people in the electorate.”