No role in resignation—Govt

Press, 6 December 1989, Page 8

No role in resignation—Govt

PA Wellington The Government was not involved in the resignation of the Commonwealth Games chairman, Mr David Johnson, says the Minister of Recreation and Sport, Mr Tapsell. Mr Tapsell said yesterday he had two representatives on the Games company’s board but had not given them any instructions. He said the decision to seek Mr Johnson’s resignation was a matter for the board and, all told, it was probably a wise decision although he was naturally sorry about the way things

turned out. “So far as running the Games company was concerned I have nothing but admiration for what he has done,” Mr Tapsell said. “Remember,, he has done this in a voluntary capacity. He has spent a great deal of time and effort and, I think, he has done it very well.” .' X He did not think Mr Johnson’s resignation would materially affect either the board or the running of the Games, •.,! Mr Johnson’s replacement, Sir Earl Richardson, said yesterday he was “reluctant” about taking

over. Sir Earl, who . retired as chairman after suffering from pneumonia last year, said his health was now reasonable but he had not volunteered for the position. “There are any number that could have taken on the job. But most of them had commitments — I am at least free,” he said. Sir Earl was embroiled in controversy 18 months ago when it was releaved he holidayed in South Africa within days of taking over as Games chairman for the first time, prompting boycott fears.